Women and Children at Greater Risk from Jungle Justice, FIDA

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) says women, children and other vulnerable folks face a higher risk of false accusations, abuse and exploitation when communities turn to jungle justice.

Naankus Fyaktu, the Chairperson of FIDA Plateau Chapter, made this known while responding to the recent mob killings of Ibrahim Mbaya in Jos and Ummulkhairi in Mararaban Jos, Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Mbaya was reportedly tortured to death on July 26 at an off-campus home in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State over claims that he stole an iPhone 12.

Ummulkhairi was tortured over accusations of child kidnapping on June 21.

Ms. Fyaktu told NAN in Abuja on Wednesday that women and children are especially at risk of false accusations, sexual violence, physical abuse and other forms of exploitation when communities engage in mob action.

She described jungle justice as an "illegal form of extrajudicial punishment where an angry mob beats, tortures, or kills a person suspected of a crime without a legal trial."

"The human rights consequences of jungle justice are that it violates the right to life, fair hearing, dignity and due process as stated in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other international and regional legal frameworks," she said.

She linked the rise of mob action to misinformation, rumors, social media reports, anger, hatred, vindictive claims and distrust of the police.

She added that the desire for quick punishment could push people to take the law into their own hands, with mere allegations sometimes seen as proof of guilt.

She also explained that the effects of jungle justice reach families, who may experience grief, trauma, financial struggles and stigma, especially when the victim is the breadwinner.

"It also spreads fear, encourages lawlessness, weakens trust in the justice system and can lead to retaliation, self-help or more violence," she added.

Ms. Fyaktu urged victims or their families affected by jungle justice to report cases to the police, seek prosecution of the offenders and pursue civil claims for compensation or damages.

She stated that offenders could face criminal charges, including murder, culpable homicide, assault, unlawful assembly or other related offenses, depending on the situation.

The FIDA chairperson called for better policing, public education, quick response systems and improved access to justice to avoid mob violence.

She urged law enforcement agencies to investigate allegations without delay, protect accused persons and victims, counter misinformation and ensure that those who engage in mob violence are arrested and prosecuted.

Ms. Fyaktu also called on community and traditional leaders to discourage residents from taking the law into their own hands.

"Community and traditional leaders should also actively discourage taking the law into one’s hands.

"Civil societies and human rights organizations like the Justice Sector Reform team, FIDA and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists should keep raising awareness and educating the public on the illegality and consequences of mob action.

"The education should cover mob action, jungle justice and all forms of human rights violations," she said.

She concluded by stating that building public trust in lawful institutions is key to preventing communities from resorting to self-help whenever crime allegations arise.