Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, condemned the increasing cases of mob justice across the country.
He has instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to investigate these incidents and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.
Expressing concern over the growing menace, the police, through a statement issued by Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, highlighted a recent case in Edo State where a mob attacked a police station and burned some suspects to death on October 13, 2024.
Adejobi stated, “In light of the recent surge in mob justice in various parts of the country, the Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns this dangerous and abhorrent trend, warning the public about the consequences it poses for our criminal justice system, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s international reputation.
“The Police particularly condemns the act of arson, which resulted in the burning to death of suspects in police custody, along with the destruction of police barracks, patrol vehicles, and the Divisional Police Station in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
“In this instance, members of the public claimed that the police were attempting to obstruct justice by detaining suspects accused of kidnapping and armed robbery, who were said to have been terrorising the community in Edo State. The primary suspect was apprehended and nearly lynched before being rescued by the police.
“His arrest led to the capture of three additional suspects. However, the community members, dissatisfied with the police’s actions, mobilised in large numbers, attacked the police station, and burned both the suspects and the station.”
Adejobi added, “The community’s false perception that the police would release the suspects was unjust and unfounded, as the police had no intention of obstructing justice, particularly after arresting three other individuals linked to the criminal activity through thorough investigation.”
Another incident referenced by Adejobi took place in Agege, Lagos, where on 19th October, a mob attacked a driver involved in a road accident.
Adejobi explained that a police officer who attempted to intervene and save the driver was tragically killed by the mob.
“In another incident, a police team trying to prevent mob justice was violently attacked, resulting in the death of a police officer, ASP Augustine Osupayi, attached to the Lagos State Command, at the hands of a violent mob on Saturday, 19th October 2024, in Agege, Lagos State.
“The police team had responded to rescue a driver accused of accidentally knocking down a motorcycle rider, who was assaulted by the group of riders before being saved by the police.
“The rescue, however, angered the riders, who turned on the police team and tragically killed ASP Osupayi. These are just a few of many similar incidents reported across the country.”
Adejobi noted that the Inspector General extended his condolences to the families of the victims and directed the DIG FCID to apprehend those involved in the heinous acts.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, expresses his sympathy to the bereaved families and has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, FCID, to thoroughly investigate these cases and bring all offenders to justice.”