The Lagos State Police Command has cautioned residents against engaging in jungle justice, emphasizing that taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offence that can attract serious legal consequences.
The command advised members of the public to always hand over suspects to the police instead of resorting to mob action.
The warning was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Abimbola Adebisi, in a public service announcement following a rise in cases of unlawful attacks on suspected offenders.
According to her, mob justice weakens the rule of law and could turn those involved in such acts 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 urged residents of Lagos State 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 frequent claim that a lack of trust in law enforcement often pushes people to take matters into their own hands. She noted that the law clearly defines unlawful killings as 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 further noted that residents also have a responsibility to promote lawful conduct within 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 campaigns by discouraging mob action and encouraging others to report suspected offenders to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
