Edo Killing: 5 Shocking Cases of Jungle Justice in Nigeria

At least seven suspected kidnappers were burned alive in a brutal mob attack in Uromi, a town in Edo State, Nigeria, according to the state’s governor. Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the lynching, vowing that those responsible would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, identified as northern Hausa hunters, were stopped by local security forces while traveling in a commercial truck. A search of the vehicle uncovered firearms, which prompted a mob of residents to accuse the men of being kidnappers and Fulani herders.

“The commissioner of police has been directed to carry out a full investigation into the incident,” Okpebholo stated, adding that at least four people had been arrested in connection with the attack.

Kidnapping for ransom and violence attributed to Fulani herders have become a growing crisis in Nigeria, contributing to widespread insecurity, displacement, and inter-ethnic tensions. In recent years, clashes between the semi-nomadic Fulani herders and settled farming communities have led to hundreds of deaths.

Jungle Justice Killings in Nigeria

Jungle justice refers to situations where people are subjected to violent punishment or killing by mobs, often without due process of law. These actions are typically carried out by citizens who believe that the authorities won’t take swift action or bring perpetrators to justice. Here are five notable cases of jungle justice killings in Nigeria:

The Aluu Four (2011):

In October 2012 (though it falls just outside 2011), Aluu community near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, four university students from the University of Port Harcourt identified as Lloyd, Chidiaka, Tekena, and Ugonna had run into a local vigilante group at dawn.

There had been a spate of robberies in the area and at that time of the morning, people became suspicions. Accused of being petty thieves, the four – Llody Toku, Ugonna Obuzor, Chiadika Biringa and Tekena Elkanah – were given a mock trial and found guilty.
Their punishment was handed out immediately: they were stripped, marched around the community, brutally beaten and set alight by the mob as thousands watched and filmed.

The students were beaten, tortured, and publicly lynched by a mob. Their deaths were filmed and circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage and discussions about the issue of jungle justice in Nigeria.

Following widespread outrage, several arrests were made. In 2017, three individuals were convicted and sentenced to death for their roles in the killings, while four others were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

Deborah Samuel In Sokoto(2022):

In May 2022, a Christian student named Deborah Samuel was arrested in Sokoto, northern Nigeria, at the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, and killed by a mob after being accused of blasphemy for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad in a WhatsApp group.

The incident occurred on May 12, 2022 when a group of students at the college attacked Deborah, beating her and then setting her on fire. Her killing was widely condemned both within Nigeria and internationally.

The arrest of the two suspects came after public outcry and a series of investigations by the Nigerian authorities. While the case drew attention to the issue of religious intolerance and mob violence, it also led to concerns about the increasing frequency of blasphemy-related killings in the country. The arrest of the suspects was part of the government’s efforts to address such acts of violence and to hold individuals accountable for crimes, especially in cases involving blasphemy accusations.

Following Deborah’s death, there were calls from human rights organizations and some religious leaders for stronger measures to combat mob justice and religious extremism in the country. The killing also highlighted the tensions between different religious groups in Nigeria, particularly in the northern states where Islamic law is sometimes interpreted and enforced more strictly.

Two suspects were arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbance. However, they were later acquitted due to the absence of prosecution lawyers during the trial.

Oluwatoyin Salau in Lagos (2020):

In 2020, Oluwatoyin Salau, a 22-year-old lady was lynched by a mob in Lagos after being accused of kidnapping. The incident occurred in the Ketu area of Lagos, The mob’s actions were reportedly driven by rumors, though there was no solid evidence to support the claim. Her death sparked widespread outrage. The woman was brutally beaten to death, and later, the police confirmed that no substantial proof of kidnapping was found.

Monday in Lagos(2024):

In September 2024, a man identified as Monday was beaten to death in Lagos state over alleged cable theft. The mob used copper wire to tie his neck, strangling him to death.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the mob killing.

The arrests were confirmed by Lagos Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who stated that the investigation was ongoing and that authorities were searching for other individuals involved in the crime. The victim’s body was moved to Mainland General Hospital in Yaba for an autopsy as part of the investigation.

Unidentified civilian in Ogun State (2024):

A yet-to-be-identified man was lynched and set ablaze by a mob in Ilisha-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. The attack, carried out by commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), was allegedly over the theft of motorcycles.

In the ensuing violence, the mob also attacked a soldier, stabbing him multiple times. The soldier, who was wearing his uniform, managed to escape into a nearby building. The Okada riders, determined to capture him, demanded his whereabouts, escalating the chaos.

Security forces, including soldiers and police officers, were deployed to restore order, leading to further clashes with the mob. The situation caused significant unrest in the community as authorities worked to contain the violence.

Suspected Kidnappers in Enugu (2011):

In 2011, a group of individuals suspected of being involved in kidnapping activities was apprehended by a mob in Enugu State. The suspects were brutally beaten and killed by the crowd, despite the lack of formal charges or legal proceedings.

These incidents highlights the increasing tendency for people to take justice into their own hands, particularly amid rising concerns over kidnappings in various parts of Nigeria. The cases underscored the dangers of jungle justice, where individuals are punished without due process, often based on suspicion and rumors.

Government Efforts to Address Jungle Justice

The Nigerian government has recognized the dangers of jungle justice and has initiated several measures to combat it:

Enforcement of Anti-Mob Laws:

Several state governments have introduced stricter penalties for jungle justice participants, including life imprisonment and the death penalty.

Public Condemnation and Calls for Justice:

Traditional and religious leaders, such as the Sokoto Sultanate Council, have publicly condemned acts of mob violence and called for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

Legal Actions and Sentencing:

In notable cases like the Aluu Four, the judiciary has prosecuted and sentenced individuals involved in mob killings, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Various organizations and media outlets have highlighted the dangers and injustices of mob actions, aiming to educate the public and discourage participation in such acts.

While progress has been made, jungle justice remains a significant problem in Nigeria, often fueled by distrust in the justice system, religious tensions, and the rise in violent crime. More concerted efforts are needed to ensure justice is served through legal means rather than mob actions.