Police commissioner Aderemi Adeoye has cautioned Anambra residents against jungle justice.
Mr Adeoye said the Anambra command would no longer condone lynching of suspects.
The police commissioner on Friday said perpetrators would be charged with murder, according to a statement by the command’s spokesman, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga.
The statement said two suspects were arrested for involvement in a recent mob lynching that resulted in the death of suspected criminals.
“Someone steals a phone, and a mob kills him. The sentence for stealing a phone is three years imprisonment. Those who lynch commit murder, which carries the death penalty because the courts have not delegated anyone outside the Judiciary to try, convict and execute suspects,” said Mr Adeoye.
Mr Adeoye commended Anambra residents for their eternal vigilance and cooperation for peace and security in the state but urged them to report every criminal matter to the police.
“If they do not get justice, they should contact my office directly. I assure the people of Anambra that the command will always be alive to its responsibility in maintaining law and order,” said the police commissioner. “Recourse to self-help is not necessary and it will not be tolerated.”
(NAN)