NIGERIA Man was caught attempting to steal a motorcycle. This prompted residents to take justice into their own hands. They beat the thief into unconsciousness and then set him on fire.
Such death punishments by street justice are not uncommon in Nigeria. They are a reaction to rising crime and a complete distrust in the police and legal system. Moreover, motorcycle theft is considered a very serious crime there, as for many poor people a motorcycle is their most valuable possession and a source of livelihood. A lynching to death can thus seem like swift justice with a permanent effect.
However, the situation is much more complex and cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of the people. Nigeria is a very poor country, and thieves usually do not steal voluntarily but out of dire life circumstances. Furthermore, it is a total violation of fundamental human rights, such as the right to life and the right to a fair trial.
