The Ondo State Police Command has warned residents against jungle justice, cyberbullying and the unlawful public parade of suspects following the arrest of four persons over the alleged assault of a resident whose ordeal was recorded and circulated on social media.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who disclosed that the Command had launched an investigation into allegations of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm and cyberbullying.
According to the statement, the case followed a complaint lodged by Boluwaji Temidayo at the Okuta Elerinla Police Station on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The complainant alleged that he was physically assaulted by a group of persons on July 21, 2026, who also recorded the incident without his consent before uploading the video on various social media platforms.
The Police said a technology-driven forensic investigation, supported by digital intelligence, led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Gbemisola Ariyo, Babatunde Eniola, Adams Tobiloba and Fasusi Bunmi.
The Command said the suspects are currently in custody and have made useful confessional statements, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the incident.
It added that all those found culpable would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
Condemning the growing trend of mob justice, the Police stressed that no individual has the legal authority to assault, humiliate or publicly parade anyone suspected of committing an offence.
The Command also expressed concern over the increasing practice of recording such incidents and sharing the videos online to ridicule, intimidate or incite hatred against individuals.
It reminded residents that every suspect is entitled to constitutional rights and due process, noting that allegations alone do not amount to guilt.
The Police therefore urged members of the public to report suspected offenders to law enforcement agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands.
The statement further cautioned against recording or circulating defamatory, misleading or malicious content capable of violating another person’s rights or undermining ongoing investigations, warning that such actions could attract prosecution under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the rights of all residents, enforcing the law impartially and ensuring that anyone found guilty of violating the rights and dignity of others is brought to justice.
