Police arrest guard over jungle justice in Lagos

• Warn citizens against taking laws into their hands

The Police in Lagos have arrested one Agunbiade Adekunle, ‘m’, a security guard at Shonde Street, Itire, for allegedly killing and setting a suspected vandal ablaze.

Adekunle allegedly committed the crime after the suspect who came along with other hoodlums to vandalise a car parked on the street was handed over to him.

Confirming the development in a statement yesterday, spokesperson for Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned against jungle justice in the country as such affects the effective administration of justice, which could be much detrimental to the smooth dispensation of justice.

According to him, 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, he said, has globally been condemned for many obvious reasons, particularly as a parasitic hindrance to strengthening the criminal justice system.

He said: “For instance, police operatives attached to the Itire Divisional Police Headquarters of Lagos State, on March 25, received a report from a man who resides along Shonde Street, Itire, that a group of hoodlums were vandalising his vehicle.

“He raised the alarm which led to the arrest of one of the vandals.

“He 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 to court for murder. There are other similar cases recorded across the country that have been condemned and hindered the smooth investigation and prosecution of many cases.

“The Nigeria Police Force, therefore condemn and urge 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 civilised society, perpetuating a cycle of violence, prejudice and lawlessness.”

Adejobi stated that such undermines the authority of legitimate institutions and weakens the rule of law. Jungle justice, he said, is a dangerous and regressive practice that has no place in a civilised society.

“Instead of promoting justice, it breeds violence, fear, and injustice. It is imperative that communities 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,” he stressed.