A rational approach to addressing mob justice in Nigeria

NIGERIA is currently lagging behind primarily due to its nonchalant attitude and underutilization of scientific methods to address some of its problems. Recently, the internet was inundated with a video depicting military personnel beating a man because someone had raised an alert about his missing genitalia. The military men subjected the man to severe physical abuse, and he could be seen gasping for breath as a result of the brutal beating. He later confessed to stealing the genitalia under duress. This barbaric act should not be ignored or left unpunished. Instead of immediately resorting to violence, it would have been more appropriate to involve a medical practitioner to examine the claimant and determine the veracity of his claim regarding his missing genitals. As if that weren’t enough, days later, another viral video emerged on the internet, showing Civil Defence personnel assaulting a man they accused of stealing someone’s genitals. This man also faced severe physical abuse. However, after the video came to the attention of the Civil Defence headquarters, the leadership ordered their arrest for torturing the individual without following due process. What’s even more concerning is that almost half, if not more, of these alerts turn out to be false alarms, often leading to mob action and vigilante justice. Many people lose their lives at the hands of angry mobs who take matters into their own hands without involving the appropriate authorities responsible for investigating such incidents. Victims are either maimed or lynched in these horrific incidents.

In the nation’s capital, Abuja, there have been recorded cases of mob action and vigilante justice resulting from false alarms. This prompted the police to issue a press release, expressing their disapproval and warning people against taking the law into their own hands. Nigeria’s future development depends on addressing such issues with a more rational and law-abiding approach. The spate of mob actions has become a dangerous tragedy. According to some eyewitness accounts, those who claim their manhood has disappeared work in cahoots with a marabout. The marabout recites some incantations, and the manhood reappears. The genitalia have not disappeared in the first place. This is a scam to attract public attention to the potency of the marabout’s herbs and talismans. This is a ruse and a conduit to shortchange unsuspecting members of the public; it’s a form of advertising. Similarly, the use of charcoal to fortify oneself against private part snatchers is a form of marketing for the sellers; unsuspecting buyers will be flocking in droves to buy the item to protect themselves. Where is our humanity in all of this? When are we going to civilize ourselves? Just days ago, a Karu Upper Area Court in Abuja sentenced two men, Basil Eze and Awaisu Jibrin, to three months’ imprisonment each for defamation of character. However, Judge Malam Isa Adamu gave the convicts the option of a fine of N10,000 each.

The convicts, who resides in Garki, Abuja, pleaded guilty to defamation of character. Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Olarewaju Osho, told the court that the complainant, Yakubu Tijani, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on October 4 after the defendants accused him of “shrinking” their genitals when he approached them and asked for directions to a street. However, during the police investigation, the convicts were taken to a hospital where it was confirmed that their genitals had not been “stolen.” The offence, he said, “contravened the provisions of Section 392 of the Penal Code.” As fear grips every nook and cranny of Nigeria, people are on edge. The rumor mill has gone agog with a superstitious belief that charcoal, needles, and pepper, when combined, will serve as protection against genital snatchers. This unfounded rumor is spreading, but it lacks scientific proof. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses education, awareness, and a commitment to using scientific methods to ascertain the truth in such cases. First and foremost, there is a dire need for education and awareness campaigns across the continent to enlighten people about the consequences of resorting to violence based on unverified claims.

Education should focus on promoting critical thinking and teaching people to seek evidence before passing judgment or taking action. This includes promoting the importance of involving medical professionals, forensic experts, and law enforcement agencies when faced with allegations of unusual crimes like genital theft. By doing so, the chances of erroneous accusations and mob violence can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, governments and organizations must invest in improving the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and medical practitioners to handle such cases professionally and scientifically. This includes providing training on forensic methods and medical examinations to determine the validity of claims. Having well-trained professionals who can objectively investigate such incidents is essential for justice to prevail. Additionally, community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional authorities can play a crucial role in discouraging mob justice and promoting peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. They can use their influence to educate their communities about the dangers of taking the law into their own hands and advocate for a more rational approach to addressing disputes and allegations.

To address the issue of false alarms effectively, there should be mechanisms in place to hold those who make baseless accusations accountable for their actions. Legal consequences for false allegations and incitement to violence can act as a deterrent. This will discourage individuals from making unfounded claims that can lead to innocent people being harmed. In conclusion, Nigeria’s development and progress hinge on its ability to address issues like mob justice and vigilantism with a scientific, rational, and law-abiding approach. Education, awareness, professional training, and accountability are key elements in achieving this goal. By adopting these measures, government can move towards a more just and prosperous future, where violence is replaced by reason and evidence-based decision-making. It is imperative that government take decisive steps to eradicate this menace and build a society where justice prevails.