I am not advocating for the toleration of crime or lawlessness. Rather, I am calling for an end to the toxic culture of jungle justice that has plagued our society for too long.
In recent times, many have voiced their frustration over the perceived inadequacies of law enforcement in Nigeria. We are quick to condemn the police and other agencies for their handling of suspects, allegations of rights violations, and extrajudicial actions. Yet, in the same breath, there are those who support and even participate in the lynching of individuals accused of crimes. This contradiction poses a grave challenge to the rule of law and the safety of every citizen.
A recent case I came across—the exoneration of a woman wrongly accused of poisoning her boyfriend—provoked deep reflection. What if she had been one of the many victims of jungle justice? What if the mob had succeeded in taking her life before the truth was revealed? Tragically, we see these kinds of stories unfolding too often across the country: people are beaten senseless, burned alive, or murdered simply because they are suspected of wrongdoing.
The rise of social media has only amplified this dangerous trend. People now hide behind screens, justifying their participation or support for lynchings under the guise of frustration with the police’s inability to bring criminals to justice. While the police can sometimes fail in their duties, does that justify taking the law into our own hands? Are we truly advancing the cause of justice when we make ourselves judge, jury, and executioner?
Even in cases where a suspect may be guilty, extra-judicial punishment prevents a thorough investigation. The truth is often far more complex than a simple accusation. Further investigation could reveal that the alleged criminal was not acting alone, or that the crime was the result of a deeper social issue. The rush to administer justice on the spot limits the scope of these investigations, ultimately depriving society of a fair and accurate understanding of the situation.
Nigeria’s legal system provides for citizen arrests, but it is crucial to understand that citizens are neither witnesses, judges, nor executioners. No one should be empowered to take a life based on an assumption of guilt. While the right to life is not absolute, it is protected by law and can only be revoked under specific, lawful circumstances. The law is clear in this regard: even the most heinous of crimes should not be met with vigilante justice.
I am not advocating for the toleration of crime or lawlessness. Rather, I am calling for an end to the toxic culture of jungle justice that has plagued our society for too long. The Nigerian Police Force must take a more active role in raising awareness about the consequences of such actions. They must engage in widespread sensitization campaigns, educating the public on the dangers and legal repercussions of taking justice into their own hands.
Instead of resorting to violence, we must prioritize documenting evidence—through video or photos—and handing over suspected criminals to the authorities. If you are dissatisfied with how a case is being handled, there are legal avenues for filing complaints and seeking redress. Taking justice into your own hands is not the solution; it is an invitation to more chaos and injustice.
We must all contribute to creating a more just society, where the rule of law is respected and upheld. It is time we move beyond the mentality of jungle justice and trust the legal system to do its job. The life you save by respecting the law could very well be your own.
Seun Elere
Public Affairs Analyst
