A concerning practice of public shaming for suspected criminals is expanding throughout Nigeria. Rather than alerting the police, mobs are capturing and punishing alleged thieves, recording the scenes, and posting them online. This behavior is notably prevalent in the South-South region, particularly within Benin City and Asaba.
The movement, frequently referred to by the phrase 99 days for the thief and one day for the owner, has sparked intense public debate. Supporters suggest these acts discourage theft, while opponents characterize them as dangerous jungle justice that bypasses the rule of law.
Recent footage illustrates the severity of these punishments. In one case, two men accused of stealing peppers were coerced into consuming the raw crop with dry gin. Other videos show suspects forced to dance, rap, or wear stolen goods as makeshift crowns while jeering crowds record their distress. These incidents involve various locations, including a reported occurrence at the National Open University of Nigeria.
Public affairs commentator Simon Zion noted that the trend has reached a point where suspects are effectively expected to provide entertainment for the mob. However, legal professionals warn against this vigilantism. Lawyer David Mike Agada emphasized that such acts are illegal, noting that individuals remain innocent until a court declares otherwise. He urged citizens to relinquish suspects to official law enforcement agencies for proper investigation rather than resorting to assault or degradation.
