A video circulating online shows a woman being brutalized and forced to carry a chicken around Nkwo Ibakwa Ake Market in Enugu State after she was allegedly caught stealing. The incident has sparked renewed debate over jungle justice and the handling of petty theft in Nigerian markets.
According to eyewitness accounts, the woman was apprehended by traders after she was accused of stealing a live chicken from a stall in the market. Instead of handing her over to law enforcement, a group of people subjected her to physical assault and forced her to walk around the market carrying the chicken while being recorded on mobile phones.
The footage, which has since gone viral on X and Facebook, shows the woman visibly distressed as onlookers jeered and shouted at her. Market leaders have not released an official statement, and it remains unclear if the matter was reported to the police.
The Enugu State Police Command has urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands. In a brief response, a police spokesperson said anyone caught engaging in jungle justice would be arrested and prosecuted. “No matter the offense, citizens should hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution,” the spokesperson said.
Jungle justice remains a recurring issue in Nigerian markets and communities, often fueled by frustration over theft, slow police response, and loss of trust in the justice system. Legal experts warn that assaulting suspects is a criminal offense under the Criminal Code, regardless of whether the person is guilty of theft.
Human rights groups have called for the identification and prosecution of those seen assaulting the woman in the video. They also urged market associations to set up proper reporting channels and work with police to address theft without resorting to violence.
Petty theft cases in markets are typically handled under state laws and can attract fines, restitution, or jail time if proven in court. However, advocates say the focus should be on prevention, better market security, and ensuring that victims of theft can access timely police intervention…See More
