IGP Disu Warns Nigerians Against Mob Justice, Says Offenders Risk Murder Charges

Abah Felicity August 26, 2026 2 minutes read

ABUJA, Nigeria – Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has warned Nigerians against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that mob justice is a criminal offence that could attract murder charges and other severe penalties under Nigerian law.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police chief condemned the increasing incidence of mob attacks across the country, reminding citizens that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, where only the courts have the constitutional authority to determine guilt or innocence.

Disu said no individual, group or community has the legal right to arrest, try or execute anyone suspected of committing a crime.

He noted that Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee every Nigerian, including criminal suspects, the rights to life, dignity and a fair hearing.

According to Disu, anyone who participates in the unlawful killing of a suspect could face prosecution for murder, an offence that carries the death penalty under applicable Nigerian criminal laws.

He added that criminal liability would not be limited to those who physically attack victims. Individuals who organise, finance, incite, encourage or assist mob attacks, as well as those who obstruct security personnel or mobilise violent crowds, could also face prosecution.

To strengthen enforcement, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to classify mob justice cases as homicide investigations.

He said police commands have been instructed to deploy forensic evidence, eyewitness testimonies, intelligence reports and video recordings to identify and prosecute everyone involved in such attacks.

Disu urged Nigerians to report suspected criminal activities to law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to jungle justice, emphasising that only the courts have the authority to determine criminal responsibility.