The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against mob justice in Nigeria. Disu said anyone who kills a suspected criminal outside the law commits murder.
He warned that such offenders could face the death penalty if convicted. The police boss gave the warning while addressing the growing concern over mob killings across Nigeria.
Disu said Nigerians must allow the police and courts to handle criminal allegations. He warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.
According to him, anyone who assaults and kills a suspect commits murder. He noted that the law provides severe punishment for such offences.
The Inspector-General also warned that mob violence can target innocent people. False accusations and rumours can quickly trigger violent attacks.
The police chief said he has directed commissioners of police across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat mob action as homicide.
He ordered the commissioners to investigate each case thoroughly. Police investigators will use forensic evidence and intelligence to identify suspects.
They will also examine video footage and speak with eyewitnesses. Community intelligence will also help investigators track those involved.
Disu said the police would not target only the leaders of mob attacks. He said officers would identify everyone who took part in the violence.
The police will arrest suspects and investigate their roles, The IG stressed that no participant would receive special treatment.
His warning covers people who physically attack victims as well as those who assist mob violence. The Inspector-General also referred to the March 2025 killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State.
A mob attacked the travellers after accusing them of being kidnappers. The incident sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria.
Disu described the case as a serious reminder of the dangers of mob justice. The incident also showed how quickly suspicion can turn into deadly violence.
The police chief pointed to several other cases involving mob attacks. Some students have faced attacks after people accused them of stealing phones.
Travellers have also died after mobs mistook them for criminals. Other victims have suffered attacks because of rumours involving blasphemy or ritual killings.
Such incidents can destroy lives before authorities establish the facts. The Nigeria Police will rely on several sources of evidence when investigating mob attacks.
These include video recordings, eyewitness accounts and community information. Security personnel can also provide information about incidents.
Investigators will use these sources to identify those who participated in attacks. The approach aims to ensure that perpetrators face legal action.
Mob justice denies suspects their right to a fair hearing. It also creates a serious risk of killing innocent people.
A person accused of a crime remains a suspect until a court establishes guilt. The police therefore urged Nigerians to report suspected criminals instead of attacking them.
Citizens should allow security agencies to investigate allegations. Courts should then determine whether suspects are guilty or innocent.
Disu’s warning sends a strong message to Nigerians. Mob violence will not replace the criminal justice system.
Anyone who kills another person during a mob attack could face prosecution for murder. The police have also promised to investigate mob-action cases as homicide cases.
The Inspector-General urged Nigerians to reject jungle justice and allow the law to take its course.
