The Lagos State Police Command has warned residents against engaging in jungle justice, stressing that taking the law into one’s hands is a criminal offence that could lead to serious legal consequences.
The Command urged members of the public to always hand over suspects to the police rather than resort to mob action.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Abimbola Adebisi, gave the warning in a public service announcement over rising cases of unlawful attacks on suspected offenders.
According to her, mob justice undermines the rule of law and could turn those who carry it out into suspects in serious criminal cases.
“The Lagos State Police Command strongly condemns all forms of mob action. Taking the law into your hands is a criminal act and undermines the rule of law.
“Whenever a suspect is apprehended, members of the public are advised to immediately hand the person over to the nearest Police station for proper investigation and due process,” she said.
Adebisi also called on residents of Lagos to remain law-abiding and allow security agencies to perform their duties without interference.
“The Command urges residents to remain law-abiding and allow the Police and other relevant authorities to carry out their lawful duties.
“Together, we can protect lives, uphold justice, and build a safer Lagos,” she added.
Speaking further, the police spokesperson addressed the common claim that lack of trust in law enforcement often drives people to take matters into their own hands. She noted that the law clearly states that unlawful killings amount to murder.
“Most people claimed that it’s because they lack trust in the police that’s why they take laws into their hands but the law is very clear on it especially the criminal law in Lagos State. In fact it’s very explicit enough, it talks about unlawful killings which is automatically murder.
“At the end of the day, someone who is supposed to be a victim would end up being a suspect in a homicide case. We all know the punishment for that. We all know the position of the law.
“The best we can do is to inform the police, notify them and let the law take its course. Not you being a murder suspect at the end of the day.
“Please let us put hands together to do it right. Let us sentizise our people. Jungle Justice isn’t the solution. When you catch someone in the act, report to the police. That is the best you can do.” she said
She added that residents must also take responsibility for promoting lawful behaviour in society.
“Lagos is a metropolitan city, we are developed, learned. I think it’s high time we speak to one another to get it right.”
The Command therefore appealed to residents to support ongoing public awareness efforts by discouraging mob action and encouraging others to report suspected offenders to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
Jungle justice is a criminal offence — Lagos police warn residents
