The Cross River State Police Command has cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, warning that jungle justice undermines the rule of law and could lead to the loss of innocent lives.
The command gave the warning during a public sensitisation campaign organised in partnership with Street Priests, where officers took the awareness drive to major streets across the state to educate residents on the dangers and legal consequences of mob action.
Speaking while addressing residents during the awareness campaign on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Sunday Etekpah, said jungle justice is a criminal act that violated the rights of suspects and undermined Nigeria’s justice system.
Etekpah said every suspect was entitled to due process under the law and urged citizens to report suspected criminals to the police and other relevant authorities instead of resorting to mob action.
“Every suspect deserves due process. Every citizen has a role to play in building a safer society by reporting crimes through the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to mob action,” he said.
The police spokesman called for greater collaboration between residents and security agencies, stressing that effective community policing depended on citizens providing timely information to law enforcement authorities.
He urged members of the public to reject jungle justice and embrace lawful means of responding to crime, saying, “Together, let us choose justice over violence, the rule of law over revenge, and peace over chaos.”
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace, justice and public safety.