Proportionality as a Moral Principle in Punishment: Examining the Issue of Lynching/Jungle Justice in Nigeria Through the Lens of I Kings 21:1-19This study examines I Kings 21:1-19 and its significance to the increasing mob lynching across Nigeria. I Kings 21:1-19 records the narrative of Naboth, who was lynched on the basis of a false allegation against him. Naboth was lynched by stoning. Jungle justice is also known as lynching and arbitrary execution, and it is on the rise in Nigeria. In 2022, Nigeria recorded more than ten cases of jungle justice, with the killing and burning of a female college student on false allegations. The government also seems to be carefree with regard to the arrest and prosecution of those involved in jungle justice, which has given boldness to perpetrators. This study used literary analysis to engage the text and the context. This article argues that the themes presented in I Kings 21:1-15 advocates for both proactive and reactive measures to prevent the occurrence of jungle justice.
Keywords
I Kings 21:1-19; Jungle Justice; Naboth; Lynching; Mob Action