‘It’s a violation of human rights’ — police warn against jungle justice

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says jungle justice is a violation of human rights that must stop.

In a statement on Monday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said jungle justice affects the effective administration of justice.

The police spokesperson said it is important that civilians and local vigilante groups understand the brutality of taking the law into their own hands and its attendant consequences.

Adejobi added that jungle justice has been “condemned for many obvious reasons, particularly as a parasitic hindrance to strengthening the criminal justice system”.

“The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the act of jungle justice and urged the public to desist from taking the laws into their own hands by way of using jungle justice, mob actions, and other forms of extrajudicial killings as a way of bringing justice to criminals,” the statement reads.

“Jungle justice is a criminal act and grave violation of human rights that threatens the fabric of a civilized society, perpetuating a cycle of violence, prejudice, and lawlessness.

“It undermines the authority of legitimate institutions and weakens the rule of law.

“Jungle justice is a dangerous and regressive practice that has no place in a civilized society. Instead of promoting justice, it breeds violence, fear, and injustice.

“It is imperative that communities reject vigilantism and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that justice is served through fair and transparent legal processes. Only then can we truly uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and equality for all.”