Rising Cases of Mob Justice in Nigeria Highlight Need for Lawful Justice Channels

The alarming prevalence of mob justice, often referred to as jungle justice, in Nigeria was highlighted once again with the tragic death of an unidentified couple in the Orogwe-Ohii area of Owerri-West Local Government Area, Imo State, on September 2, 2024. The couple was accused of robbing a motorcyclist and stealing his motorcycle.

Witnesses claim the couple, known in the community, were caught trying to flee with a stolen motorbike. "They were apprehended while attempting to rob a man of his motorcycle along the Orogwe/Ohii Road," a source said. "The community, angered by the ongoing trend, refused to hand them over to the police."

Henry Okoye, the Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police, warned the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that such actions obstruct justice. “Allow the police to do their work. Any suspect should be handed over to the police for proper investigations,” he said.

Reports of mob justice incidents are on the rise. In Lagos, a man was set ablaze after being accused of vandalizing a car, while another incident saw two suspects rescued from a mob after stealing a woman's phone in Surulere.

The infamous 2012 lynching of four University of Port Harcourt students in Aluu remains a haunting reminder of the consequences of jungle justice. Despite prosecutions, the practice persists, fueled by a lack of trust in law enforcement and a perception of widespread impunity.

Analysts argue that economic hardship and distrust in law enforcement contribute to the rise of mob justice. “Nigerians are frustrated almost on all fronts,” said commentator Jim Momoh. “People seem to have lost confidence in law enforcement agents because when suspects are handed over, they are often set free if bribed.”

The need for legal reform, better law enforcement, and societal education on the dangers of mob justice is urgent. Killing outside the judicial process is illegal, and the consequences of this trend highlight the need for a deeper examination of the societal, theological, and legal factors at play.