The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned residents against engaging in acts of jungle justice, describing such behavior as unlawful and counterproductive to the rule of law.
The warning follows a recent incident in which an angry mob assaulted a young woman accused of attempting to steal a two-year-old child in the Gwagwalada area of Abuja. The incident occurred on October 13, 2025, drawing the attention of the Police after a distress call was received by patrol officers from the Tungan Maji Division.
According to the Command, the patrol team swiftly intervened and rescued the victim from being lynched by the crowd. The officers were said to have dispersed the mob and taken the young woman into custody for further questioning.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, ANIPR, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, the Police strongly condemned the mob action, describing it as a serious criminal offense.
The Commissioner of Police emphasized that no individual or group has the legal authority to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances. He said jungle justice often leads to tragic consequences, including the killing of innocent persons later found to be blameless.
“Residents must understand that jungle justice is itself a crime,” CP Adewale warned. “Anyone caught participating in such acts will be arrested and prosecuted. The Police are fully committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that justice is served through proper legal procedures.”
The Command disclosed that it had commenced a discreet investigation into the alleged child theft case and assured the public that all findings would be handled transparently and in line with the dictates of the law.
The CP further appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid being swayed by unverified allegations or emotional reactions to suspected crimes. He advised that all suspicious activities or criminal behavior be promptly reported to the nearest Police station.
“Taking matters into one’s hands only promotes lawlessness and can destroy evidence crucial to a fair investigation,” he said, adding that mob actions undermine ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the FCT.
The Police Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property while strengthening public trust through professionalism and accountability. He also urged residents to embrace community policing by sharing credible information that could help prevent or solve crimes.
The Command listed its emergency contact numbers as follows:
📞 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653, and the Police Control Room line 09115629111.
SP Adeh noted that these numbers are available 24 hours a day and should be used to report emergencies or suspicious movements across the territory.
She reiterated that the Command would continue to engage in proactive policing strategies to ensure the safety of residents and maintain public order. She also stressed that collaboration between citizens and law enforcement remains crucial to sustaining peace in the capital.
“The Police cannot do it alone,” Adeh said. “Security is a shared responsibility, and we urge all residents to partner with the Police in building a safe and lawful society.”
