A woman accused of child theft was lynched and her body set ablaze by an angry mob after she was forcibly taken from police custody in the Maraban Jos area of Kaduna State on Sunday, the Kaduna State Police Command has said.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, described the incident as a “barbaric” act and a serious threat to the rule of law.
According to Hassan, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos received a distress call around 10:00 a.m. reporting that a woman was being attacked by a mob over allegations of child theft.
He noted that no evidence was presented to support the accusation.
Acting swiftly, the DPO led a team of officers to the scene, rescued the woman from the crowd and took her into protective custody at the police station pending further investigation.
However, the situation later escalated when hundreds of residents reportedly stormed the station.
The mob allegedly overpowered officers on duty, forcefully removed the woman from custody, killed her and set her remains on fire.
“The victim is a native of Maraban Jos. The Command describes this act as barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law,” Hassan said.
He stressed that, “No person or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while efforts are ongoing to track down other participants.
He added that a full-scale investigation had commenced and assured the public that all those found culpable would face prosecution.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, also condemned the killing, warning that the command would not tolerate jungle justice, mob violence or attacks on police personnel and facilities.
The police urged residents to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels and allow law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute alleged offenders in accordance with the law.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring justice is served.
