The Inspector General of Police, Tunde Disu, has directed police commands across Nigeria to treat cases of jungle justice and mob action as homicide.
Disu warned that anyone who assaults or kills a suspected criminal outside the law will face prosecution for murder.
The IGP said the directive was aimed at curbing extrajudicial killings and growing cases of mob violence across the country.
In a video message circulating online, Disu said those who participate in mob attacks, mobilise crowds, incite violence or obstruct police intervention could also face criminal charges.
He said those who record and circulate footage of mob attacks could also be held liable where their actions amount to conspiracy.
Disu directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to carry out full investigations into mob-action cases using forensic and intelligence tools.
“We are not going to spare anybody who is involved in mob action,” the IGP said, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted.
The warning follows growing concern over videos of mob attacks circulating on social media, including the recent killing of 25-year-old University of Jos graduate, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as Ibee, who was reportedly attacked in Jos after being accused of stealing an iPhone 12.
Disu urged Nigerians to hand suspected criminals over to the appropriate authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands.
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