The Nigeria Police Force has decried the spate of jungle justice in the country, warning against its consequences on criminal justice administration, the rule of law, and global reputation.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, condemned the country’s jungle justice trend, describing it as deplorable and savage behaviour.
Adejobi said the act had led to the tragic loss of lives and destruction of properties across the country.
According to him, the inhuman act was a betrayal of justice and due process, undermining the rule of law, fundamental principles, and ideals of human rights and justice.
He added that the Nigeria Police also condemned the act of arson in some parts of the country.
The Force PRO noted that the act led to the death by burning of some suspects in police custody and the setting ablaze of police barracks, patrol vans and the Divisional Police Station in Edo.
Adejobi said in the above case, the public alleged that the police were trying to pervert justice by taking into custody, some suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, accused of terrorising the community.
“The main suspect was arrested and almost lynched by some community members before he was rescued by the police and his arrest led to the arrest of three additional suspects.”
“The rescue and detention of the suspects did not go down well with some members of the community, who later mobilised in large numbers.
“They attacked the police station, killed the suspects by burning them and the station as well as properties therein,” he said.
DAILYPOST