The Lagos State Police Command has decried the rate at which Lagos residents resort to self help in dealing with issues of suspected kidnappers and ritualists in recent times.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni who expressed his displeasure over the development in a statement he issued in Lagos observed that in the past few days, the command had recorded some incidents of jungle justice across the State.
Owoseni noted that on the 8th of August, 2017 at Ajala Bus-Stop, Ijaiye-Ojokoro, two (2) persons suspected to be kidnapers/ritualists were completely burnt, while some buildings were vandalized.
He continued,”The incident of 10th August, 2017 at Ile-Zik Bus Stop, along old Abeokuta Road, where mob attempted to carry out jungle justice on some destitutes, suspected to be ritualists/kidnappers. This was prevented by quick intervention of the police and sister security agencies.
“The incident of 11th August, 2017, where a destitute who appeared to be mentally deranged was set ablaze by mob on the allegation that he possessed a telephone.
“It is necessary to mention that in the course of the disdainful acts, vital evidence are destroyed. In addition, in the course of discharging its constitutional responsibilities and to 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”.
The Police Chief pointed out that the development had made it imperative to remind the general public of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended which states that,“It shall be the duty of every citizen to respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood.
“No person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment”.
He therefore maintained that there was no justification for jungle justice on suspected persons as according to him,”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”, he added.
He however advised the general public to report any suspicious happening in their areas to the Police and other security agencies assuring of the renewed commitment of the Police and other security agencies to prompt response to such reports.
“The public is also assured of 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 concluded.
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