THE Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 suspects over the alleged killing of a woman who was attacked by a mob on accusations of child theft in the Maraban Jos area of the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the suspects were arraigned before a magistrate court sitting at NDA Junction in Kaduna, following the violent incident that led to the woman’s death.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday when a woman was burnt to death by a mob over unverified allegations of child theft in the Maraban Jos area.
Police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, said the command received a distress call that the woman was being attacked by an angry mob over the allegation, which had no proof to substantiate it.
He explained that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area immediately led operatives to the scene, rescued the woman, and took her to the police station for safety and further investigation.
According to him, the mob later invaded the police station, overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, and subsequently lynched her before setting her ablaze.
Hassan added that the suspects are facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide.
The case was mentioned in court and adjourned to July 21 for further hearing, while the magistrate ordered that the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has described the arraignment of the suspects as a “significant step towards securing justice and reinforcing the rule of law”.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, commended the Kaduna State Police Command for its “prompt action” in ensuring that those involved in the killing are prosecuted.
He said the administration of Governor Uba Sani would not tolerate any form of mob action or jungle justice, urging residents to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands.
“Anyone found taking the law into their own hands will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of status or affiliation,” the commissioner warned.
