Anambra's Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has issued a warning to locals not to enforce the law on their own when something criminal occurs.According to Adeoye, the command would no longer support circumstances in which individuals practice "jungle justice" by lynching suspects to death without a court appearance.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, stated in a statement on Friday that the CP has stated that those who committed the crimes would face murder charges.
Any mob lynching of a criminal suspect, in his opinion, is barbaric and worse than the victims.
According to the PPRO, two individuals have been taken into custody for their alleged roles in a recent mob lynching that claimed the lives of suspected criminals.
After stealing a phone, a mob kills the culprit. Three years in jail is the penalty for phone theft.
"Because the courts have not assigned anyone outside the judiciary to try, convict, and execute suspects, those who lynch commit murder, which is punishable by death," he stated.
Adeoye congratulated the people of Anambra for their unwavering watchfulness and assistance in maintaining the state's peace and security, but he also urged them to report any illegal activity to the police.
"If they do not receive justice, they should get in touch with my office directly," he said.
"I promise the people of Anambra that the Command will never forget its duty to uphold law and order.
"Using self-help is not required, and it will not be accepted," he declared.