By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In the bustling streets of Lagos, the cries of an accused thief once echoed through a crowd of onlookers. Within minutes—without a trial or formal arrest—he was beaten, left bloodied and broken. This scene, while harrowing, is not isolated. Across Nigeria, jungle justice—a form of extrajudicial punishment meted out by mobs—continues to plague communities, raising critical questions about justice, trust in institutions, and human rights.
A System Bypassed
Jungle justice, also referred to as mob justice, typically involves public beatings, lynchings, or even the burning of individuals suspected of crimes. While many Nigerians are familiar with these acts, few speak openly about their root causes: frustration with a justice system perceived as slow, corrupt, and inaccessible.
In many cases, suspects handed over to the police are never seen again or are released without explanation. This has eroded public confidence, leading communities to take matters into their own hands. But at what cost?
Innocence Burned Away
One of the most tragic consequences of jungle justice is its irreversible nature. Innocent people—falsely accused or misidentified—have been killed without any chance to defend themselves. In 2012, the murder of four University of Port Harcourt students—popularly known as the “Aluu Four”—shocked the nation. The students were accused of robbery, beaten, and burned to death by a mob. They were later found to be innocent.
These incidents highlight the brutal finality of jungle justice. Once the crowd descends, there is no appeal.
Human Rights Crisis
Human rights advocates argue that jungle justice undermines the rule of law and violates fundamental rights, particularly the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. It reflects a deeper societal issue—one where justice is not only delayed but often denied, prompting citizens to bypass the legal system altogether.
Moreover, the victims of mob violence are disproportionately young men from marginalized communities. Their deaths serve as a grim reminder of systemic failures, where poverty, weak institutions, and public distrust converge to create a dangerous environment.
A Call for Reform
To curb jungle justice, a multifaceted approach is needed. This includes strengthening the criminal justice system, ensuring timely investigations and prosecutions, and rebuilding public trust through transparency and accountability. Community education campaigns are also vital—to inform citizens about the dangers and illegality of mob action and to promote legal avenues for addressing crime.
Law enforcement agencies must be trained and equipped to act swiftly and fairly. Meanwhile, policymakers must address the root causes of crime and societal disillusionment, such as unemployment, inequality, and corruption.
Conclusion
Jungle justice thrives in the shadows of a failing system. But it is not inevitable. With collective will, institutional reform, and sustained advocacy, Nigeria can move toward a society where justice is not a spectacle of violence, but a process rooted in fairness, humanity, and the rule of law.