Mob Justice in Nigeria

If mob justice has taken another life in Nigeria, it is because too little has been done to deliver justice to previous victims of mob justice. Many Nigerians, particularly those who do not consider themselves to be among the powerful, are filled with despair and even terror as a result of the failures of justice. More alarmingly, security forces entrusted with keeping peace have occasionally been victims.

Recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of mob justice in Nigeria. Two police officers were beaten to death in Ikpeshi, a community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, on March 3, 2024, making it the most recent incident of mob justice. An incident such as the aforementioned is triggered by crowd mentality and ineffective securitisation.

Several cultural and societal factors contribute to the prevalence of mob justice in Nigeria. One major factor is the general distrust of the formal justice system. Citizens often view the legal system as corrupt and ineffective, leading them to take matters into their own hands to seek justice. This lack of faith in the judiciary results from long-standing issues such as bribery, delays in judicial processes, and uneven application of the law. For instance, Nigeria has over 50,000 prison inmates awaiting trial.

Another factor is the perceived ineffectiveness of law enforcement agencies. Some Nigerians believe that the police are incapable of protecting citizens and maintaining law and order. Instances of delayed responses to security situations fuel this view. This perception pushes individuals to resort to mob justice to safeguard their communities and take matters into their own hands.

Ethnic and religious tensions further exacerbate the problem of mob justice in Nigeria. Nigeria is a diverse country with multiple ethnic and religious groups. These differences sometimes lead to tensions and conflicts, which can spark mob violence. The killing of Deborah in May 2022 is one such incident that made headlines and brought to light the religious tensions behind the killing. Similarly, the killing of Usman Buda in Sokoto State in June 2023 was premised on blasphemy.  The politicisation and weaponisation of group identities to pursue value, protection and revenge-seeking fuels the instances of mob violence. Also, Anambra state has recorded some instances of jungle justice. An incident which led to the arrest of two suspects involved reveals the need to crackdown on perpetrators of jungle justice

The consequences of mob justice are devastating and far-reaching. The most tragic and immediate result is the loss of innocent lives. Some victims of mob justice are innocent individuals who are wrongly accused, as in the situation of one, Mr Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan, who, from all accounts, was killed for stealing a car he had owned for over a year in Jos, Plateau State. Often, victims in such victims are denied the right to a fair trial and are subjected to brutality and violence. This loss of innocent lives not only affects families and communities but also undermines the rule of law and the fundamental principles of justice.

Mob justice has long-term effects on community cohesiveness. It instils a culture of violence and retribution, undermining trust and societal peace. It promotes a cycle of violence and retaliation, eventually destabilising communities and impeding attempts for peace and prosperity. Nigeria’s security organisations should commit to a more proactive securitisation and additional training on managing riots. Proactive engagements, early warning and response mechanisms will help prevent the escalation of full-blown violence. In addition, increased training for riot police personnel will create a readily available and tactical team that can effectively handle civil unrest. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s security operatives are drawn to multiple violent hotbeds in the country. Given the nature of security challenges and other interrelated issues, the propensity for mob violence in Nigeria may remain high. With Law enforcement officers also falling victim to mob violence, there is a need for community policing initiatives where law enforcement officers build trust and engage with communities. This can help restore faith in the police force and reduce the need for mob justice.

Civil society organisations are essential in increasing awareness of mob justice and campaigning for change. They can attempt to educate communities about the detrimental implications of mob violence and promote peaceful dispute-resolution methods.

Mob justice in Nigeria threatens the rule of law and societal cohesiveness. It is critical that all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and communities, collaborate to address this urgent issue. Nigeria may advance towards a society in which justice is genuinely served. Mob violence is a thing of the past by enacting justice sector reforms, restoring faith in law enforcement authorities, and fostering peaceful conflict resolution.