The Lagos State Police Command has cautioned residents against resorting to jungle justice, emphasizing that taking the law into one’s own hands constitutes a criminal offence with serious legal consequences.
The command advised members of the public to always hand over suspected offenders to the police instead of engaging in mob action.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, issued the warning in a public service announcement amid increasing incidents of unlawful attacks on suspected criminals.
She explained that mob justice erodes the rule of law and can result in those involved becoming suspects in grave criminal offences.
“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 further appealed to Lagos residents to remain law-abiding and allow security agencies to carry out their responsibilities without obstruction.
“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.
Addressing the frequent justification that distrust in law enforcement drives mob action, the police spokesperson stressed 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 added that residents must also take responsibility for promoting 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 also called on the public to support ongoing awareness campaigns by discouraging mob actions and encouraging proper reporting of suspected crimes to the police for investigation and prosecution.
