From anecdotal evidence, mob justice happens in Nigeria more often than we could possibly imagine. In the past, it was reported verbally, however, as more people own mobile phones, we’ll see more videos and pictures.
On October 5th, 4 young men were killed in Aluu in Rivers State. It was recorded so we watched them being beaten and burnt to death. One policeman encouraged the act and left the scene; another stayed and ‘tried’ to discourage the mob. While at least 10 people have been arrested including the village chief, most people have no faith that justice will prevail. That’s why we have mob justice in the first place.
In the last month, there has been a lot of discussion around the need for a specific law that prohibits mob justice. Okechukwu Ofili states My disagreement with the ‘Mob Justice Bill‘”
A coalition of 70+ organisations have been working for over 10 years to get a the CSO Panel on Police Reform.