Mob justice is murder, perpetrators will face death penalty, IG warns

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has issued a stern warning against mob justice in Nigeria, stating that anyone who kills a suspected criminal outside the proper legal channels will be guilty of murder and face the death penalty. Disu emphasized that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, not "mob rule," and urged citizens to allow security agencies and the courts to handle criminal allegations.

According to Section 33, 34, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, every Nigerian, including suspects, has the right to life, dignity, and a fair hearing. Disu stressed that mob actions violate these rights and that allegations on social media or videos are not sufficient evidence for anyone to take the law into their own hands. He cited instances of students and travelers being lynched over phone theft and ritual accusations, urging people to rely on proper legal processes rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Disu warned that those who plan, incite, or encourage mob action, as well as those who film or share such acts, could also face criminal charges. He directed police commissioners across Nigeria to treat every case of mob violence as homicide, promising full forensic and intelligence investigations to identify and prosecute all involved.