The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 suspects before a Magistrate Court sitting at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Junction, Kaduna, in connection with 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, as well as culpable homicide.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the arraignment followed investigations into the June 21 incident in which a woman was allegedly lynched by an angry mob after being forcefully removed from police custody.
According to the statement, the court adjourned the case until July 21, 2026, for further hearing and ordered that all the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the matter.
Hassan explained that the police launched a comprehensive investigation immediately after the incident, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
“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 stated.
The police spokesman further revealed that more than 100 additional suspects are still being investigated over their alleged involvement in the incident.
“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.
The command 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 said.
He also 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 commissioner stated.
Reports indicated that the victim had been accused by some residents of child theft, an allegation the police said was not substantiated.
According to the command, officers had rescued the woman from an angry crowd and taken her into protective custody at the Maraban Jos Police Division. However, the situation escalated when a large mob reportedly stormed the police station, overpowered security personnel and forcefully removed her from custody before attacking and killing her.
The violence also resulted in the destruction of property, including parts of the police facility and other public assets, drawing condemnation from civil society organisations and residents.
The command reiterated its determination to ensure that all those involved in the incident are brought to justice and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies while refraining from acts of self-help and mob violence.
