Court remands 24 as police probe mob killing of woman accused of child theft
The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 suspects before a Magistrate Court sitting at NDA Junction, Kaduna, over the mob killing of a woman in the Maraban Jos area of the state. The suspects are facing charges including criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, the arraignment followed investigations into the June 21 incident in which a woman was allegedly lynched by an angry mob after being removed from police custody. He said the court adjourned the matter to July 21, 2026, for further hearing and ordered that the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case. Hassan noted that the police had launched a comprehensive investigation immediately after the incident, which led to the arrest and arraignment of the 24 suspects. He added that more than 100 additional suspects are still under investigation for their alleged roles in the attack, warning that anyone found culpable would also be prosecuted.
“The Command strongly condemns mob action and jungle justice,” Hassan stated, adding that residents must avoid taking the law into their own hands. The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, assured residents that justice would be served while urging the public to report grievances through lawful channels rather than resorting to violence. The police said the victim had earlier been accused by some residents of child theft, an allegation that was not substantiated. Officers reportedly rescued her and took her into protective custody at the Maraban Jos Police Division. However, the situation escalated when a mob stormed the station, overpowered officers, and forcefully removed her before she was attacked and killed. The incident also resulted in the destruction of police and public property. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring all those involved are brought to justice and urged communities to cooperate with security agencies to prevent a recurrence of mob violence.
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