Scene of a recent jungle justice meted out to a suspected kidnapper in Lagos |
Worried by the spate of jungle justice on suspected
persons being recorded in recent time, the Lagos State Police Command on Friday,
warned residents to desist from engaging in such act, as it not only violates
the laws of the land but also dents the image of the State.
The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni who
gave the warning in a statement, said that as much as there was no legal
justification for jungle justice, in most cases, vital evidences that could aid
the Police in the course of investigation are destroyed.
Owoseni listed recent cases to include the incident of
August 8, 2017 at Ajala Bus-Stop, Ijaiye-Ojokoro where two persons suspected to
be kidnapers/ritualists were completely burnt, while some buildings were
vandalized.
He also referred to the incident of August 10, 2017 at
Ile-Zik Bus Stop, along Old Abeokuta Road, where a mob attempted to carryout
jungle justice on some destitutes, suspected to be ritualists/kidnappers but
were prevented by the quick intervention of the Police and other sister
security agencies.
He said the most recent incident occurred on August 11,
2017, where a destitute who appeared to be mentally deranged was set ablaze by
mob on the allegation that he possessed a telephone.
Owoseni also expressed concern on the attack of police officers,
who in the course of trying to prevent such incidents are physically assaulted
and injured, warning that those found taking laws into their hands would be
arrested and duly prosecuted.
“It is necessary to mention that in the course of the
disdainful acts, vital evidences are destroyed. In addition, in the course of
discharging its constitutional responsibilities and prevent the barbaric act,
Police officers were fatally wounded, while stones were hurled at them as well
as Police Patrol Vans. However, a number of arrests were made in this regard.
“There is no justification for jungle justice on
suspected persons. It is barbaric and uncivilized. It is a manifestation of the
erosion of our moral values and a disregard to sanctity of human lives. It violates
the rule of law and dents the image of the State. Above all, it is a violation
of the law, and all those arrested in connection with the aforementioned cases
will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Owoseni said.
The Police Commissioner urged residents to report any
suspicious happening in their areas to the Police and other security agencies,
assuring that the Police and other security agencies would respond promptly to
such reports.
He also assured the general public of the renewed synergy
amongst the institutions saddled with criminal justice administration towards
ensuring quick dispensation of justice.
“The general public is therefore, strongly advised to
desist from this unlawful and barbaric act. No effort will be spared in
ensuring that lawful means are used to bring to justice, anyone who violates
the law, please,” he said.
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