Nigerian Afrobeats singer Skales has offered a controversial take on crime in Nigeria, attributing the country’s lower crime rate, when compared to the United Kingdom, to the fear of extrajudicial punishments.
Speaking in a recent episode of Just Vibes, the artist argued that many potential criminals in Nigeria are deterred not by law enforcement, but by the threat of jungle justice — a brutal form of vigilante punishment that operates outside the legal system.
According to him, this fear often holds individuals back from committing crimes they might otherwise consider.
“There is lesser crime in Nigeria compared to the UK because they know if they [criminals] get caught, there is jungle justice. They burn you alive,” Skales stated bluntly during the interview. He explained that, unlike in countries where criminals might expect a fair trial, in many parts of Nigeria, there’s a real risk of being lynched or burned on the spot if caught by an angry mob.
This harsh reality, he believes, makes people think twice before engaging in criminal activities. His remarks have sparked debate online, with some agreeing with his observation while others condemned the endorsement — even indirectly — of vigilante action.
Despite his controversial comments, Skales was quick to clarify his stance, stating that he does not support or encourage jungle justice.
He acknowledged that while it may serve as a deterrent, it remains an unlawful and dangerous form of punishment that has led to numerous injustices, including the deaths of innocent people.
“I’m not saying jungle justice is good. It’s wrong. But people know the consequences are deadly,” he said, emphasizing that the conversation should instead be about strengthening the formal justice system to ensure safety and fairness.
In a lighter moment during the same interview, Skales shifted focus to his passion — music. Discussing Afrobeats, he highlighted the genre’s fluid nature, describing it not as a rigid style but as a vibrant blend of various musical influences.
“Afrobeats is not one thing. No one can say this is exactly how it’s supposed to sound,” he said. He explained that Afrobeats serves more as an umbrella term for diverse African rhythms and melodies rather than a narrowly defined genre. This, according to him, is what makes it so dynamic and globally appealing.
