Metro

FLASHBACK ALUU 4: Mob Justice Still Haunts Nigeria After 12 Years

Published

3 months ago

October 8, 2024

Twelve years later, the echoes of that grisly day still linger. Despite widespread outrage, judicial consequences, and numerous public campaigns, mob justice continues to rear its ugly head across Nigeria, raising alarming questions about societal breakdown, mistrust in law enforcement, and the persistence of extrajudicial killings.

On October 5, 2012, Nigeria was shaken by one of its most tragic incidents of mob justice, now infamously known as the Aluu 4 lynching. In the quiet community of Aluu, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, four young men—Lloyd Toku-Mike, Tekena Friday Elkanah, Ugonna Kelechi Obuzor, and Chidiala Loroson Biringa—were brutally beaten, paraded naked, and burned alive in a horrifying act of jungle justice.

The students, all from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), were wrongfully accused of robbery after a local debtor raised a false alarm. This moment marked a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history and exposed the dangers of unchecked mob violence.

The Aluu Incident: A Gruesome Mock Trial:
On that fateful day, the four students visited Aluu in search of a debtor who had owed one of them a significant amount of money. Rather than addressing the matter amicably, the debtor falsely accused the students of being armed robbers. What followed was swift and merciless—before any formal investigation could take place, a mob descended upon the young men, subjecting them to what can only be described as a “mock trial.”

Stripped naked, beaten with various objects, and eventually set on fire, their lives were brutally cut short, and their deaths were captured in a harrowing video that went viral on social media.

The footage sparked outrage across the country, bringing Nigeria’s troubling history of mob justice into the spotlight. As the images of the murdered students circulated, citizens demanded accountability, and the Rivers State Police Command quickly arrested several suspects.

By July 31, 2017, five years after the incident, three individuals, including a police sergeant, were found guilty and sentenced to death. However, despite these convictions, the underlying issue of mob justice in Nigeria remains deeply entrenched.

Jungle Justice: A Continuing Crisis:
Jungle justice, or mob justice as it is commonly known, refers to the extrajudicial punishment carried out by civilians, often resulting in the lynching or execution of suspects without due process. In many Nigerian communities, this act has become alarmingly commonplace. Whether it is a suspected thief, a person accused of witchcraft, or someone alleged to have committed minor infractions, mobs often take the law into their own hands. This behaviour is fueled by a deep-rooted distrust in the Nigerian legal and law enforcement systems, which many perceive as slow, corrupt, or entirely ineffective.

Since the Aluu 4 incident, there have been numerous cases of mob justice across Nigeria. In Lagos, a suspected phone thief was burned alive by an irate crowd in 2023. In Owerri, a couple accused of motorcycle theft was lynched by a mob in September 2024. These examples are only a small sample of the continued pattern of lawless retribution. The trend is widespread, affecting urban centres and rural communities alike, cutting across ethnic and religious lines.

Why Does Mob Justice Persist In Nigeria?:
Several factors contribute to the persistence of mob justice in Nigeria. Chief among them is the distrust in the formal justice system. Many Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, believe that the police are either ineffective or complicit in allowing criminals to go free. Corruption within the judiciary only reinforces these perceptions, leading people to take matters into their own hands when faced with crime.

In some instances, it takes days or even weeks for the police to respond to crimes, making citizens feel that swift mob action is the only way to secure justice.

Cultural factors also play a role. In some communities, traditional methods of justice have long been the norm, and the concept of collective punishment or vengeance against perceived wrongdoers is embedded in the social fabric. This cultural inclination, combined with the adrenaline of group dynamics, can quickly escalate into violence, with little regard for due process.

Another contributing factor is the lack of public education on the dangers and unlawfulness of mob justice. While efforts have been made to raise awareness, many still believe that jungle justice is an effective means of deterring crime. Without widespread campaigns that change this perception, the cycle of mob violence will likely continue.

The Role of Law Enforcement:
Despite these challenges, the Nigerian police force has, in some instances, taken a stand against mob justice. The warning issued by Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, after the recent Owerri lynching, highlights ongoing efforts to curb this menace. He reminded the public that suspects should be handed over to law enforcement, urging citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands.

Similar statements have been made by police officers across the country, yet their efforts have often been met with resistance, particularly in areas where trust in the police is at its lowest.

However, law enforcement agencies themselves face structural issues that hamper their ability to effectively combat mob violence. Limited resources, lack of training, and under-staffing mean that many police units are ill-equipped to handle large crowds or rapidly escalating situations. Until these systemic issues are addressed, the battle against mob justice will remain uphill.

Moving Forward: The Need for Reform:
Twelve years after the tragic death of the Aluu 4, Nigeria is still grappling with the realities of mob justice. The root causes of this phenomenon—ranging from distrust in legal institutions to cultural practices—require a multi-faceted approach to eradicate. Public education campaigns, stronger police-community relations, and judicial reform must be prioritized if the country is to break free from this cycle of violence.

The Aluu incident serves as a painful reminder of what happens when the rule of law is abandoned. As Nigeria reflects on this dark anniversary, the question remains: How many more lives must be lost before meaningful change takes hold?

The memories of Lloyd, Tekena, Ugonna, and Chidiala should serve as a rallying call for reform. Their tragic deaths, alongside the countless others claimed by jungle justice, demand that Nigeria rethink its approach to justice and law enforcement. Only by ensuring that every Nigerian has access to fair and timely justice can the nation finally put an end to this disturbing trend.

Related Topics:ALUU 4 Mob Justice Nigeria

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Metro

Timileyin Ajayi’s father begs for the release of his son after the gospel singer beh£@ded a young woman

Published

9 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Father of Timilehin Ajayi, the gospel singer arrested for killing a corp member he claimed was his girlfriend, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, has pleaded for the release of his son.

Timileyin Ajayi was found in possession of the severed head of Salome Adaidu in a bagco sack in Agwan Sarki, Orozo, a community near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He has been remanded by a Nasarawa State High Court.

Ajayi’s father, Sunday Ajayi, has now emerged to plead for his son’s release. He made the plea in an interview with Channels Television.

“I want government to help me so that the matter is settled. I want them to help me beg so that he is released” He said

Meanwhile, Timileyin Ajayi’s mother, Dorcas Ajayi, said she has left everything for government to handle.

“If it was one of my daughters they did that to, how would I feel?” She asked

“So government can do anything they want to do. Everything is in their hands.” She concluded.

Metro

73 NGOs fault claims of civil society’s links with terrorists

Published

22 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

About 73 non-governmental organisations, NGOs, have jointly lambasted claims that the civil society is part of the reason Boko Haram and other terrorists groups are thriving in the country.

They described it as “stigmatizing, smearing, defaming and targeting the NGO sector which is inconsistent with meaningfully attending to the genuine threats of terrorism in our country.”

“It is unconscionable to malign NGOs that work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to bring hope and relief to conflict-affected communities.

“These accusations, devoid of proof, serve only to erode public trust, distract from the real issues, and undermine the critical work being done in some of the country’s most challenging environments,” they added.

Recall that retired generals across the three arms of the military, who have been involved in the war against insurgency in Nigeria, especially Boko Haram, have x-rayed the situation and came up with the conclusion that “some non-governmental organisations, NGOs, international agencies and vested interests have helped to sustain terrorism and other violent crimes in the country”.

However, 73 NGOs reacted in a statement entitled “Baseless and Unsubstantiated Allegations Against NGOs on ‘Why Boko Haram, bandits thrive: How NGOs, others aid terrorists — Former generals, commanders’.

In the statement, the NGOs recommended what government should do.

“The Nigerian government and military leadership (should) address the real reasons terrorism persists, including but not limited to rampant poverty and inequality, porous borders, corruption and inefficiency in defence spending.

“The Nigerian security apparatus should focus its efforts and manpower on disrupting terrorist funding and logistics networks rather than scapegoating civil society.

“It must also enhance intelligence gathering and operational capacity to secure lives and properties.

“The government must engage constructively with NGOs to address the root causes of insecurity and alleviate the suffering of affected communities understanding that civil society can meaningfully generate peace and development, including implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and can clearly articulate the sources of grievances identified as factors leading to terrorist and extremist violence,” the NGOs suggested.

‘We are concerned’
The group noted that they “are deeply concerned about the inflammatory claims by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force recklessly accusing NGOs in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of providing covert sponsorship and funding to terrorists.

“Rather than confronting the systemic failures that have allowed terrorism to thrive in Nigeria, these claims attempt to shift blame onto the very organisations that have stepped into the void to support communities abandoned by the Nigerian state.

“It is a known fact that a civilian-led approach, engaging civil society and communities, is the most effective way to prevent violent extremism demonstrating the necessity of the role of civil society in channelling discontent and allowing for constructive engagement with states, and in directly undermining the factors leading individuals to be drawn to terrorism and violent extremism.

“One of the most fundamental norms of international humanitarian law is the need to protect the provision of impartial medical care to all wounded and sick persons, including members of adversarial parties and the population under its control.

“This is a norm that must be factored into any counter-terrorism strategy. To abide by these norms is not a sign of weakness, it is an obligation of civilized Nation States.

“The cost of stifling civil society to prevent any perceived threat of terrorism far outweighs its benefits.

“Any effective counter-terrorism strategy needs to strengthen, not weaken, civil society. There is growing evidence that the instrumentalisation of agendas to counter-terrorism and to prevent and counter violent extremism is leading to a lack of trust in State authorities.

“The United Nations Human Rights Committee recognized that the right to life should not be interpreted narrowly, noting that it places not only negative obligations on States (e.g. to not kill), but also positive obligations (e.g. to protect life), to ensure access to the basic conditions necessary to sustain life,” the statement read in part.

The civil society groups said inflammatory statements such as the one attributed to an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force could lead to attacks on humanitarian actors “further deepening the crisis we are aiming to solve”.

Signatories
The NGOs that signed the statement are:

21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
Accountability Lab, Nigeria
Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
Amnesty International Nigeria
Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
BudgIT Foundation
Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding – Kaduna
Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights
Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
Centre LSD
Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform
Centre for Transparency Watch
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
CLEEN Foundation
Community Life Project (CLP)
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
Connected Development (CODE)
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
EIE Nigeria
Elixir Trust Foundation
Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
Environmental Rights Action
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA)
Falana and Falana’s Chambers
Global Rights
Good Governance Team
Goodluck Jonathan Foundation
Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
Hope Behind Bars Africa
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation
INVICTUS AFRICA
Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
Lawyers Alert
Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI)
Media Rights Agenda
Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
Nigeria Network of NGOs
Open Society on Justice Reform Project
Order Paper
Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
Partners West Africa
Policy Alert
Praxis
Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
Say No Campaign
Sesor Empowerment Foundation
Social Action
Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
State of the Union (SOTU)
Tax Justice and Governance Platform
Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF)
Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
Women in Mining, Nigeria
World Impact Development Foundation
Yiaga Africa
Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) 74. Fix Politics

Metro

Police rescue 207 kidnapped children, kill 11 bandits in Kogi, Katsina

Published

22 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

The Nigeria Police Force said on Monday that following efforts to combat crime across the nation, its operatives foiled multiple bandits attacks across several states at the weekend resulting in the elimination of eleven bandits/terrorists in Kogi and Katsina states.

The Police also said a total of 207 kidnapped children were rescued from Ondo and other states following an intensified fight against human traffickers.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi who made this known said operatives recorded achievements through intelligence-led policing.

He said, “On January 18th 2025, Police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command got information of a group of armed bandits holding a strategic meeting for possible attack at a forest in Budon, Kogi State.

“Gallant operatives of the Command were mobilized and deployed to the scene.

“Upon sighting the police operatives, the bandits engaged the police operatives in a fierce gun duel.

“Fortunately, the bandits were overpowered, with one bandit neutralized and 4 others arrested.

“The operatives also recovered 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 magazines, 30 rounds of live ammunition and 2 motorcycles.

“Similarly, on January 18th 2025, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters, Katsina State that some suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, were headed to attack Ruwan Doruwa Village, Dutsinma LGA of the State.

“Upon receipt of this call, Police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies mobilized, intercepted the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle ultimately leading to the neutralization of 7 of the bandits, with the rest of the gang fleeing and abandoning 109 livestock suspected to be rustled animals.
“In a significant development, the Nigeria Police Force has escalated its initiatives to combat human trafficking and the operation of illegal baby factories, successfully rescuing more than 207 abducted children from suspected traffickers nationwide.

“A significant breakthrough was achieved with the arrest of a syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking by the Ondo State Police Command, following intelligence regarding a missing child at Okuta Elerin-Nla, Akure.

“The operatives apprehended members of the syndicate, identified as Abosede Olanipekun, Lukman Isiaka and Sabira Izuorah and rescued 14 children between the ages of 1 week — 7 years old.

“The success of these operations is a significant blow against those who serve as threats to our nation’s security, contributing to the overall efforts of the Force to enhance public safety.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in the dedication to duty and commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens.

“The Force will continue to take a firm stance against criminal activities and ensure that offenders are brought to justice, reaffirming its role as the protector of peace and security of our society.”