By: Adekunle Victoria
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned Nigerians against mob action, stressing that anyone who participates in, encourages, supports or facilitates the unlawful killing of a suspected criminal may face criminal prosecution.
Inspector-General Disu gave the warning while condemning incidents of jungle justice across the country. He stressed that no individual or group has the right to arrest, try, convict or execute a suspect outside the law.
According to the IGP, when mob action results in the death of a suspect, those involved may face serious criminal consequences, including charges relating to murder, depending on the circumstances and applicable law. He referenced provisions including Section 319 of the Criminal Code and Section 221 of the Penal Code in explaining the seriousness of unlawful killing.
Criminal liability is not necessarily limited to the person who delivers the fatal blow or uses a weapon. A person who plans, incites, encourages, supports or facilitates an unlawful killing may also face criminal liability where the evidence establishes their involvement.
The IGP further warned that people who mobilise crowds to attack a suspect, prevent police officers from intervening, or otherwise assist a mob may also face criminal charges. Under the applicable law, the specific offence and liability will depend on the person’s conduct, intention and the evidence available.
Inspector-General Disu also warned that filming or circulating videos of mob killings does not automatically protect those involved from prosecution. Where such conduct forms part of encouraging, supporting or facilitating the unlawful act, it may have legal consequences.
The Inspector-General directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat cases of mob action resulting in death as homicide cases and to conduct thorough forensic and intelligence investigations.
He stressed that investigations should identify not only the person who delivered the final blow but also anyone who planned, encouraged, participated in or facilitated the unlawful killing.
The IGP therefore urged members of the public to desist from jungle justice and allow law-enforcement agencies to handle suspected criminal activities through due process.
He warned that anyone who takes the law into their own hands should be prepared to face the consequences, stressing that there would be no exception for anyone involved in mob violence.
