The Police Command in Ondo State says it has arrested four persons over alleged assault and defamatory social media publications in the state.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s Spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Friday in Akure, condemned jungle justice, cyber bullying and unlawful public humiliation of suspects.
Jimoh explained that the arrest followed the reported assault and public humiliation of a resident whose video was unlawfully circulated on social media.
According to him, the case was reported on Thursday, July 23 at about 2 p.m. by one Boluwaji Temidayo at the Okuta Elerinla Police Station.
The spokesperson said the complainant was attacked on July 21, by a group of people who recorded the incident without his consent, and subsequently uploaded the video on various social media platforms.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, our operatives immediately commenced a discreet and technology-driven forensic investigation into the viral video.
“The command also deployed digital intelligence and other investigative resources to identify those involved in the alleged assault and unlawful dissemination of the footage.
“Investigations led to the identification and subsequent arrest of four suspects believed to have participated in the incident, and played active roles in the recording and circulation of the video.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and have made useful statements. Investigation is still ongoing towards the arrest of other accomplices connected with the incident.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, all persons found culpable will be charged to court in accordance with the law,” he said.
The spokesperson, however, said the command strongly condemned the growing and disturbing trend of members of the public taking the law into their own hands by assaulting, molesting, humiliating or publicly parading persons suspected of committing offences.
“Equally worrisome is the increasing practice of recording such incidents and sharing the videos on social media to ridicule, intimidate or incite public hatred against individuals.
“The command wishes to remind the public that every person, whether accused or suspected of an offence, enjoys constitutional rights guaranteed under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“A mere suspicion or allegation does not amount to guilt and no individual or group has the legal authority to subject another person to physical assault, public humiliation or any form of extrajudicial punishment.
“Citizens are therefore, advised to refrain from engaging in acts of jungle justice or mob action under any circumstance,” he said.
The spokesperson, therefore, called on the members of the public to always report suspected offenders to the nearest police station instead of resorting to violence or self-help.
“Individuals are also cautioned against recording, publishing or circulating defamatory, misleading or malicious content capable of violating another person’s rights or obstructing ongoing investigations.
“Such actions may attract criminal liability under extant laws, including relevant provisions relating to cybercrime.
“The command urges members of the public to remain law-abiding, exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“Justice is best served through lawful procedures and not through violence, intimidation or trial by social media,” he said. (NAN).
