Police start campaign against mob justice in Cross River

The police in Cross River State have started a public awareness campaign against mob justice. They are urging people to hand over criminal suspects to the police instead of taking matters into their own hands.

This campaign is led by the police spokesperson in the state, Sunday Eitokpa. It comes after several cases of mob violence in the state, including recent killings of people believed to be criminals and those wrongly accused of crimes.

In a video shared on his Facebook page about a week ago, Mr Eitokpa was seen speaking to residents using a public address system at what looked like a market square.

“Justice, not jungle justice. Cross River State Police Command says no to jungle justice,” he declared.

He held up ropes that were allegedly meant to tie up a suspected thief. He said, “Look at the rope they want to use to tie somebody’s child for stealing garri.”

‘It is not your place to deliver justice’

Mr Eitokpa reminded everyone that only the courts have the power to determine guilt and punish offenders.

“It is not your place to deliver justice, whether the person stole or not. It is not your duty to assault or take the person somewhere. Call the police. The police are close to you. The police will arrest the suspect and charge him or her to court for the court to decide the case.”

“Violence does not solve anything; it only creates more victims. If you kill one suspect today and tomorrow you kill another, how long will that continue? You will become a murderer. The person could be your child or relative tomorrow.”

Mr Eitokpa added that the law gives the right to a fair hearing, urging people to let suspects tell their own side of the story.

He also shared a warning from the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Rashid Afegbua, who said anyone involved in jungle justice will face consequences.

Mixed public reactions

The campaign has received many reactions on Facebook, showing mixed feelings about trust in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Some users praised the police for bringing the message to communities, while others said that corruption and the release of suspects after arrest have led to mob justice.

“Good job, NPF, please give us more of this kind of sound police officers,” Akusina hi Akusinachi wrote.

Another commenter, Innowealth Etim, supported the campaign, saying: “Truly speaking I stand with this personnel on this subject… let’s stop taking it into hand by killing innocent citizens…”

Others were more skeptical.

“Make people suffer, catch thieves, come give u, so that una go dey collect bail money chop abii?? shift,” Anthony Iboro wrote.

Stanley Othuke said public distrust is partly due to perceived police corruption.

“Sometimes police will collect bribes from criminals and release them back to society… jungle justice is very bad because many innocent people wrongly accused have been killed.”

Effiong Effiong asked if victims would be safe after reporting suspects.

“So what if the thief come kill you nkor, what will the police do? Hope say the case no go die.”

Destiny Bassey shared similar worries.

“But the problem be say una dey arrest them then later release them and them go become very deadly… the person wey arrest them must face am.”

Dawari Rolandsome blamed weak law enforcement and court issues for mob violence.

“Jungle justice is not good, but it happens due to lack of confidence and justice from the police and the judiciary.”

When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Eitokpa said jungle justice incidents keep happening in Cross River, which led to this awareness campaign.

He said the campaign aims to inform residents about the dangers and legal issues of taking the law into their own hands. It also encourages them to report suspects to the police instead.

Background

The campaign follows several incidents of jungle justice in Cross River State.

On 28 June, Daily Post reported that the police warned against mob justice after an unidentified man accused of attempted robbery was beaten to death in Calabar South. This warning came a day after the killing, with police calling it unlawful and noting that innocent people often fall victim to mob violence.

Earlier, on 31 March, PREMIUM TIMES reported protests over the killing of a woman in Cross River. Demonstrators were demanding justice and accountability after the incident.

Vanguard newspaper reported in July 2023 that the police were looking for those responsible for the killing of a woman accused of witchcraft. This highlights the ongoing issue of extrajudicial violence in parts of the state.