Jungle justice: To whose advantage?

For too long, jungle justice has plagued Nigeria’s social and legal landscape, claiming lives and leaving behind scars of fear, distrust, and regret. From Lagos to Kano, and now Abuja, it has become a recurring reality that before security agencies arrive at the scene, alleged offenders may already have been beaten to death or left […]

For too long, jungle justice has plagued Nigeria’s social and legal landscape, claiming lives and leaving behind scars of fear, distrust, and regret. From Lagos to Kano, and now Abuja, it has become a recurring reality that before security agencies arrive at the scene, alleged offenders may already have been beaten to death or left with life-threatening injuries.

The recent tragic incident in Abuja paints yet another grim picture. Along Mabushi Road, a couple lost their lives in an accident that was reportedly triggered by an altercation between touts and the driver of a vehicle. The incident, beyond being heartbreaking, highlights two pressing issues: the unchecked menace of touting in the nation’s capital and the public’s dangerous embrace of jungle justice.

The suspects involved were lynched on the spot by an irate crowd. Yet, was this the right course of action? The answer is a resounding no. As condemnable as the touts’ activities may be, taking the law into one’s hands is neither justice nor solution. The suspects ought to have been apprehended and handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.

The danger of jungle justice lies in its blind rage. It often consumes not only the guilty but also the innocent individuals who may have no direct involvement in the accusations leveled against them. Countless cases abound where victims of mob action were later discovered to be blameless. Sadly, such revelations come too late, leaving grieving families and a justice system bypassed.

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This dangerous trend must be addressed on multiple fronts. The public must be sensitised to understand that jungle justice is not justice, it is a miscarriage of it. Instead of delivering fairness, it fosters lawlessness, erodes trust in institutions, and perpetuates violence.

Equally important, the Nigerian Police Force must work towards regaining the confidence of the people. A widespread perception exists that suspects handed over to the police often find their way back to society without facing due punishment. Until this trust deficit is fixed, citizens will continue to resort to self-help measures that undermine the rule of law.

The question, then, remains: jungle justice, to whose advantage? Not to the victims, not to society, and certainly not to justice. It is time Nigeria decisively tames this menace through stronger law enforcement, public education, and renewed faith in our justice system. Only then can justice truly serve its purpose.

 

Tochukwu Obi can be reached via [email protected]