Human Rights Activist Demands Probe into Lynching of Female Teacher Accused of Child Theft

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A human rights activist has called on the Inspector-General of Police to launch an immediate investigation into allegations that police officers in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, handed over a female suspect to an angry mob that subsequently lynched and burnt her to death.

In a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Human Rights Activist Hamza N Dantani, Esq, demanded a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ummulkhair, an Islamic school teacher accused of child theft.

According to the petition, the deceased was apprehended by members of the public and taken to the Maraban Jos Police Division for her protection and to facilitate proper investigation. However, reports indicate that a large crowd later stormed the police station, demanding that the woman be handed over to them.

The situation has been further complicated by allegations from the deceased’s husband and another woman who publicly testified that Ummulkhair was alive while in police custody. They further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer personally took custody of the woman before she was allegedly handed over to the mob.

If these allegations prove true, the activist argues, they constitute a “shocking violation” of constitutional and statutory responsibilities imposed upon members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The petition cited Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and Section 34, which guarantees the right to dignity of the human person. It also referenced the Police Act, 2020, which places a clear obligation upon police officers to protect lives and property.

“Every person accused of a crime remains entitled to the protection of the law and is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law,” the petition states.

The activist cited several Supreme Court decisions, including Nasiru Bello v. Attorney-General of Oyo State (1986) and Fawehinmi v. Abacha (2000), which reaffirmed the sanctity of human life and the supremacy of fundamental rights.

The petition also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, particularly Articles 4, 5, and 7, which guarantee the right to life, respect for human dignity, and the right to a fair hearing.

“The deceased, irrespective of the allegations against her, was entitled to these protections. No allegation of criminal conduct can justify mob justice or extra-judicial execution,” the activist stated.

The petition called for the preservation of all station records, detention registers, occurrence books, communication records, and any available CCTV footage. It also requested that all officers on duty, including the DPO, be invited to make statements and account for their actions.

The activist further demanded that witnesses, including the husband of the deceased and other persons with material information, be provided adequate protection to ensure they can assist investigators without fear of intimidation.

“This matter goes beyond the death of one individual. It touches on the integrity of the criminal justice system, the constitutional obligation of the Police to protect lives and the fundamental principle that no citizen should be condemned or executed without due process of law,” the petition concluded.

The activist has urged that the outcome of the investigation be made public and that any officer or individual found culpable be prosecuted in accordance with the law.