Police arraign 24 for killing Kaduna woman accused of child theft

The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 suspects before a Magistrate Court sitting at Nigeria Defence Academy Junction, Kaduna, over the mob killing of a woman in the Maraban Jos area of the state.

The suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the arraignment followed investigations into the June 21 incident in which a woman was allegedly lynched by an irate mob after being removed from police custody.

According to the statement, the court adjourned the matter until July 21, 2026, for further hearing and ordered that all the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.

Hassan said, “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.

“The suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide.”

He said the police launched a comprehensive investigation immediately after the incident, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.

The command added that more than 100 additional suspects were still under investigation for their alleged roles 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 added.

Related News Politics won’t stop development projects in FCT, says Wike

Taraba sanitation chair defends salary cut for street sweepers

Police arrest three over armed robbery, murder in Bauchi

The police condemned mob action and jungle justice, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.

“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 quoted the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, as assuring residents that justice would be served while urging members of the public to channel complaints and criminal allegations through lawful means.

“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 police commissioner said.

PUNCH Online had reported that the victim was accused by some residents of child theft, an allegation the police said had not been substantiated.

According to the command, the woman had been rescued by officers and taken into protective custody at the Maraban Jos Police Division after a crowd gathered against her.

However, the situation reportedly escalated when a large mob stormed the police station, overpowered security personnel and forcefully removed her from custody before attacking and killing her.

The incident also led to the destruction of property, including parts of the police facility and other public assets, prompting widespread condemnation from civil society groups and residents.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that everyone connected with the incident is brought to justice and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.