IG Tunji Disu Warns Against Mob Justice in Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, issued a stern warning against mob justice in Nigeria, declaring that anyone who kills a suspected criminal outside the law is guilty of murder. In a video that gained traction on social media, Disu emphasized that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, not mob rule, and urged citizens to allow security agencies and courts to handle criminal allegations.

He cited Sections 33, 34, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee rights to life, dignity, and fair hearing for all Nigerians, including suspects. Disu highlighted the dangers of mob action, referencing incidents where innocent individuals were lynched based on mere suspicion or viral videos.

He specifically mentioned the March 2025 lynching of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, as a tragic reminder of the consequences of mob justice. Disu warned that those who participate in or incite mob actions could face serious legal repercussions, including murder charges, and reiterated that sharing videos or preventing police intervention could also lead to prosecution.