A rights group, the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has advocated professionalism on the part of law enforcement agents in handling criminals, as the panacea to increasing rate of jungle justice across the country today.
The CEHRAWS said it was concerned about the alarming rise in brutal and unlawful form of instant punishment, often meted out by mobs, which reflects a severe breakdown in the rule of law and a disturbing erosion of trust in the country’s formal justice system.
According to a statement on Monday, by the CEHRAWS Executive Director, Chuka Okafor, in recent years, jungle justice has emerged as a tragic symptom of a frustrated populace, disillusioned by the slow, corrupt, and often inaccessible judicial processes. He said the practice has led to numerous instances of extrajudicial killings and severe injuries.
In his opinion, the normalization of such barbaric acts underscores a growing discontent with the Nigerian justice system, which he said many citizens viewed as ineffective in delivering justice.
“At the heart of this issue lies a critical factor that must be urgently addressed, which is the professional misconduct and negligence of some officers within the Nigeria Police Force.
“These law enforcement agents, entrusted with the duty to protect and serve the public, have unfortunately contributed to the perpetuation of jungle justice through various forms of misconduct, including bribery, corruption, and abuse of power.
“The widespread belief that suspects or criminals can buy their way out of trouble has left many victims feeling powerless, driving them to take the law into their own hands.
“Moreover, the failure of police officers to respond promptly to distress calls, thoroughly investigate crimes, or treat cases with the seriousness they deserve, has only deepened public frustration and mistrust.
“The nonchalant attitude exhibited by some police officers in handling reported cases is a glaring issue that demands immediate attention. Citizens expect swift and decisive action when they report crimes; however, the lackadaisical approach of some officers not only delays justice but also emboldens criminals, creating a vicious cycle of lawlessness.
“The deliberate scuttling of cases by compromised officers, who abandon or botch investigations due to bribes, sends a disheartening message to the public: that the police cannot be trusted to deliver justice,” the statement noted.
The group cited a troubling example of police negligence and alleged complicity in the case of one Mr Nwankwo Ogbonnaya, who reported a criminal incident involving assault, intimidation, and theft to the Nigeria Police Force, Aba Area Command.
It regretted that despite the gravity of the offense and the admission of guilt by the perpetrator, the case has languished for over two months without resolution or court arraignment.
“This failure to act not only undermines the rule of law but also fosters a climate of impunity that emboldens criminal behavior and erodes public trust.
“CEHRAWS calls upon the Nigerian government, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in this case and similar instances of police negligence.
“The Nigeria Police Force must swiftly resolve the case involving Mr. Nwankwo Ogbonnaya and ensure that justice is served. Officers involved in the neglect or potential complicity must be held accountable.
“Strengthened oversight by the judiciary is essential to ensure that cases are brought to court without unnecessary delays and that justice is not subverted.
“Community engagement initiatives should be implemented to rebuild the trust between law enforcement agencies and the public. “Also, comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force is necessary, focusing on improved training, strict oversight, and stringent consequences for misconduct,” it said.
