Police arrest guard over jungle justice

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a guard over his involvement in the killing of a suspected vandal.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said on Monday, 1 April 2024 in a statement to newsmen.

According to him, operatives attached to the Itire Divisional Police Headquarters of Lagos State, on 25 March 2024 received a report from a man who resides along Shonde Street, Itire, that a group of hoodlums were vandalising his vehicle.

He stated that the man raised the alarm which led to the arrest of one of the vandals.

“Further added that the vandal was handed over to one Agunbiade Adekunle ‘m’, the security guard of the street, who then resorted to killing and setting the vandal ablaze.

“The guard has, however, been arrested and will be charged in court with murder. There are other similar cases recorded across the country that have been condemned and hindered the smooth investigation and prosecution of many cases,” Adejobi said.

He noted that the Nigeria Police Force has again warned against jungle justice in the country as such affects the effective administration of justice, which could be detrimental to the smooth dispensation of justice in recorded cases in our dear country.

“It is pertinent to understand that the act of taking the law into one’s hands has often been described and referred to as jungle justice. The act has globally been condemned for many obvious reasons, particularly as a parasitic hindrance to strengthening the criminal justice system,” Adejobi said.

The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, condemned and urged the public to shun jungle justice, mob actions, and other forms of extrajudicial killings as 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.

He added: “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.

“Communities must 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,” Adejobi said.