By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 suspects in connection with the killing of a woman accused of child theft in the Maraban Jos area of the state.
The suspects appeared before a magistrate court sitting at the NDA Junction in Kaduna, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan.
The incident occurred on Sunday after a mob allegedly attacked the woman over claims that she stole a child.
Hassan said the police received a distress call about the attack despite the absence of evidence to support the allegation against the victim.
According to him, the divisional police officer in the area led a team of officers to the scene and rescued the woman before taking her to the police station for protection and investigation.
He, however, said the mob later stormed the station, overpowered officers on duty and forcefully took the woman away before killing her and setting her body ablaze.
The police spokesperson said the suspects are facing charges that include criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, destruction of public and police property, mischief and culpable homicide.
Hassan added that the court adjourned the matter until July 21 for further hearing. He said the suspects were remanded in a correctional facility pending the outcome of the case.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government described the arraignment as a positive move toward justice and respect for the rule of law.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, praised the Kaduna police command for what he called swift action in prosecuting those linked to the incident.
“Governor Uba Sani’s administration will not tolerate any form of mob action or jungle justice. We urge residents to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and allow the law to take its course,” the commissioner said.
“Anyone found taking the law into their own hands will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of status or affiliation.”
