Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against taking the law into their hands, stressing that anyone who kills a suspected criminal through mob action risks prosecution for murder.
Disu, in a video that surfaced online on Tuesday, said Nigeria operates under the rule of law and urged citizens to allow the police and courts to investigate and determine allegations of criminality.
He noted that Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the rights to life, dignity and fair hearing, adding that suspects remain innocent until proven guilty by a court.
The police chief warned that rumours, social media posts and videos alleging criminal activity do not constitute sufficient evidence to justify mob action.
He cited incidents involving students allegedly lynched over phone theft accusations, travellers killed over mistaken identities and young people murdered following rumours of blasphemy and ritual killings.
Disu also referenced the March 2025 killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, describing the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers of mob justice.
He said those who participate in mob killings, including individuals who plan, incite, finance, encourage or assist such acts, could face criminal liability.
According to him, even those who do not physically attack victims could be prosecuted if they mobilise crowds, circulate materials encouraging violence or prevent security personnel from intervening.
Disu disclosed that he had directed commissioners of police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to treat every case of mob action as homicide and conduct full forensic and intelligence investigations.
He added that the police would use video footage, eyewitness accounts, community intelligence and information from security personnel to identify and prosecute everyone involved in mob violence.