The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 24 individuals in a Magistrate Court at Nigeria Defence Academy Junction in Kaduna for the lynching of a woman in the Maraban Jos region.
The accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy, instigating public disorder, mischief, destroying public and police property, and culpable homicide.
Mansir Hassan, the command’s public relations officer, announced the arraignment in a statement on Tuesday, saying it followed investigations into the June 21 incident in which Ummulkhairi, a mother of five, was killed by an enraged mob after being released from police custody.
According to the statement, the court adjourned the case to July 21, 2026, for additional proceedings and ordered that all suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending the outcome 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 noted that the police launched a comprehensive investigation immediately after the incident, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
The Force 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.
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 stated.
He reported that the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, was promising people that justice would be served while urging the public to file grievances and criminal claims through legal channels.
“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.
Chronicle NG 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 was rescued by officers and placed in protective custody at the Maraban Jos Police Division when a crowd gathered against her.
However, the situation apparently worsened when a massive mob rushed the police station, overpowering security personnel and forcibly removing her from detention before attacking and killing her.
The incident also resulted in the damage of property, including portions of the police station and other public assets, sparking considerable condemnation from civil society organisations and people.
The command emphasised its determination to bring everyone involved in the incident to justice, and citizens were advised to cooperate with security forces rather than taking the law into their own hands.
