Kaduna : Mob drags woman from Police custody, beats her to de@th over alleged child theft

The Kaduna State Police Command has strongly condemned the killing of a woman who was accused of child theft by a mob in the Maraban Jos area of the state.

The command described the incident as a grave breach of the law and an act of barbarism, noting that the allegations against the victim had not been verified.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the woman was attacked by an angry crowd following accusations of child theft.

Hassan said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Maraban Jos received a distress call at about 10:00 a.m. and promptly led a team of officers to the scene.

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The officers rescued the woman and took her into protective custody at the police station to ensure her safety and facilitate investigations into the allegations.

However, the situation later escalated when a large crowd reportedly descended on the station and overwhelmed the officers on duty.

According to the statement, the mob forcefully took the woman from police custody before attacking her.

“The mob subsequently killed the woman and set her body ablaze,” the statement said.
The police command condemned the incident, describing it as a criminal act and a direct challenge to the justice system.

It emphasised that no individual or group has the authority to enforce justice outside established legal processes.

The command disclosed that a number of suspects had already been taken into custody in connection with the killing, while efforts were continuing to track down and arrest other participants.

Police also announced the commencement of a full-scale investigation into the incident and assured the public that all those found responsible would be prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, cautioned residents against resorting to mob action and jungle justice.

He also warned against attacks on police facilities and personnel, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.

Muhammad urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies and allow due process to determine the guilt or innocence of suspects.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that justice is served.