The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the growing wave of mob violence, lynching, sexual assault and jungle justice across the country, urging authorities to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

The rights group warned that Nigeria is drifting towards a dangerous culture in which mere suspicion has become a death sentence, accusations are treated as proof of guilt, and criminal mobs have taken over the constitutional roles of the police and the courts.

In a statement, HURIWA said recent incidents in Plateau, Enugu and Rivers states reflect a disturbing national trend where suspected offenders are subjected to torture, public humiliation and, in some cases, extrajudicial killings, while bystanders record the attacks for circulation on social media.

National Coordinator of the association, Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the incidents as a grave threat to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and human dignity.

He cited the reported killing of Ibrahim Mbaya, a University of Jos graduate and model, who allegedly died after being assaulted by a mob over the theft of a mobile phone.

He also referenced a case in Enugu State, where a woman who reportedly fled years of domestic violence was allegedly tortured, sexually assaulted and banished alongside members of her family.

In Rivers State, HURIWA said a woman accused of belonging to a “one-chance” robbery syndicate was allegedly stripped, sexually assaulted and publicly humiliated before security personnel intervened.

The association stressed that allegations of theft, robbery or any other offence can never justify torture, sexual violence or extrajudicial killing.

It reminded Nigerians that Section 36 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing and presumes every accused person innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.

“No individual, community, vigilante group or angry mob has the constitutional authority to investigate, prosecute, convict or execute any citizen,” the group said.

HURIWA also decried the increasing practice of stripping suspected offenders naked, forcing them to perform degrading acts and filming their humiliation for social media, describing the trend as evidence of a disturbing erosion of societal values.

The association called on the Inspector-General of Police to issue operational directives to all state commands to ensure prompt intervention in cases of mob violence and to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone involved in such attacks.

It also urged the Attorneys-General of the Federation and the states to ensure diligent prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with mob violence, warning against abandoning cases after public attention fades.

The group further appealed to the National Assembly and state legislatures to strengthen laws against mob violence, torture and extrajudicial punishment, while providing adequate protection and support for victims.

HURIWA commended security agencies investigating some of the reported incidents but insisted that arrests alone would not restore public confidence unless they lead to transparent prosecutions and convictions where guilt is established by competent courts.

The association also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against jungle justice.

“It is impossible to fight crime by committing greater crimes against suspects. Justice administered outside the law is not justice; it is criminality. Nigeria must choose the rule of law over the rule of the mob,” the group said.