24 Arraigned Over Mob Killing of Woman Accused of Child Theft in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has brought 24 suspects before a Magistrate Court in Kaduna over the lynching of a woman accused of child theft in the Maraban Jos area of the state.

The suspects were arraigned on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, as well as culpable homicide.

The command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the prosecution followed investigations into the June 21 incident that led to the death of the woman after she was allegedly forcefully removed from police custody by a mob.

According to the police, the woman had been taken into protective custody at the Maraban Jos Police Division after some residents accused her of child theft.

However, the situation reportedly spiralled out of control when a crowd stormed the station, overpowered security personnel and dragged her out before attacking her.

The command said the victim later died from the assault, while parts of the police facility and other public property were damaged during the unrest.

Hassan said the suspects were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting at the Nigeria Defence Academy Junction in Kaduna.

“The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned twenty-four suspects before a Magistrate Court sitting at NDA Junction, Kaduna, in connection with the gruesome murder of a woman by a mob in Maraban Jos,” he said.

He added that the court adjourned the case until July 21, 2026, and ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.

The police spokesperson noted that investigations commenced immediately after the incident, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.

He disclosed that law enforcement authorities were still pursuing other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.

“Over 100 additional suspects remain under investigation for their alleged roles in the incident. Those found culpable will also be arraigned in court,” the statement said.

The command condemned mob justice and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands under any circumstance.

“The Command strongly condemns mob action and jungle justice. We warn that anyone who takes the law into their own hands will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” Hassan stated.

He also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, as assuring residents that everyone found responsible for the incident would face justice.

“The Command is committed to securing justice for the victim and maintaining law and order across the state. Citizens are encouraged to report criminal allegations and grievances through lawful channels rather than resorting to violence,” the commissioner said.

Police said the allegation of child theft against the deceased had not been substantiated, stressing that investigations into both the killing and the circumstances surrounding the accusation were continuing.

The command urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and allow the law to take its course whenever criminal allegations arise.