By CHIMEZIE ANASO

CP Aderemi Adeoye, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, has cautioned residents against taking laws into their hands in the event of crime.

Adeoye said the command would no longer condone situations when people engage in jungle justice by lynching suspects without trial.

DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a statement, quoted the CP on Friday as saying that perpetrators would be charged with murder.

He described mob lynching of crime suspects as beastial and worse than their victims.

The PPRO said two suspects had been arrested for involvement in recent mob action 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,” he said.

Adeoye commended Anambra residents for their eternal vigilance and cooperation for peace and security in the state but enjoined them to report every criminal matter to the Police.

“Whoever does not get justice 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.

“Recourse to self help is not necessary and will not be tolerated,” he said. (NAN)