Jungle Justice in Nigeria: A Growing Menace
In recent times, especially among youths in Nigeria, jungle justice also known as mob action has become rampant in various parts of the country. One notable case is the unlawful killing and setting ablaze of Deborah by some youths in Sokoto in 2022. More recently, 16 registered Hausa hunters were lynched and set ablaze by some vigilantes and youths in Uromi, Edo State. These are just a few of the many reported cases of jungle justice. Jungle justice also occurs in schools, especially higher institutions, where students caught stealing in hostels are gang beaten by fellow students, sometimes leading to the death of the accused. These incidents raise serious concerns about the rise in jungle justice in Nigeria.
Jungle justice or mob justice refers to punishing or harming individuals perceived to have committed a crime without following due process or legal procedures. This article will focus on the root causes, effects, and possible remedies to curb the menace of jungle justice.
Jungle justice does not occur without cause; it stems from several factors that must be addressed to solve the problem effectively.
One of the major causes is ignorance. Many people who engage in jungle justice see it as a normal thing and do not consider it a crime. However, ignorantia juris non excusat meaning ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
Another major cause is the lack of trust in the law enforcement and judicial system of the country. Many perpetrators of jungle justice believe that if they release an alleged offender to the law enforcement agencies, they will not be punished due to corruption in the system, or the court may find them not guilty, or even guilty but given a lesser punishment than expected. This makes people resort to self-help.
Increasing crime rates and unemployment also contribute largely to jungle justice. When people are unemployed, they may resort to crime as a means of survival. As unemployment increases, so does the crime rate. Often, the perpetrators of jungle justice are unemployed youths and thugs who are idle, as it is said that “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.” All these, among others, are the root causes of jungle justice.
The effects of jungle justice do not only affect individuals but also have a broader impact on society. One of the main effects is the violation of fundamental human rights such as the right to life, the right to dignity of the human person, and the right to fair hearing as contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, Sections 33, 34, and 36. Jungle justice deprives individuals of the right to fair hearing, and in some instances, their lives are lost in the process, such as in the cases of Deborah and the 16 Hausa hunters. Another effect is the emotional and psychological distress caused to the families of the victims. Wives become widows and children are orphaned. Jungle justice also leads to the punishment or even killing of innocent people who may have been wrongly accused. Additionally, jungle justice can ignite tribal conflict, especially if the perpetrators and victims belong to different ethnic groups. A vivid example is the recent killing and burning of 16 Hausa hunters in Uromi. If the kinsmen of the victims decide to retaliate, it could spark a tribal war or even a civil war in the country an even greater problem that would affect all citizens and the nation’s economy.
To prevent the menace of jungle justice in our country, the government should focus more on crime prevention by providing employment opportunities for unemployed youths. If crimes are reduced, there will be less justification for jungle justice. The government should also educate the general public through awareness campaigns about the dangers and consequences of jungle justice. Communities should be encouraged to actively participate in crime prevention, but punishment should be left to the appropriate legal authorities. In addition, the government must restore public trust in law enforcement agencies and the judicial system by eliminating corrupt officers and corrupt practices. When the legal system is trusted by society, people will not resort to jungle justice. Finally, the government should enact and enforce strict laws against perpetrators of jungle justice, which will discourage more youths from engaging in such acts.
In conclusion, jungle justice is a dangerous and unlawful practice that undermines human rights, weakens the legal system, and threatens national unity. It is fueled by ignorance, corruption, and unemployment. To combat it, the government must provide employment, restore trust in the justice system, educate the public, and enforce strict penalties against offenders. It is a collective responsibility government, civil society, and citizens must work together to eradicate jungle justice from our society and ensure justice is served through proper legal means.
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Muhammad Olohuntobi Adekoya
