A magistrate’s court sitting at the Nigeria Defence Academy Junction, Kaduna State, has remanded 24 residents for allegedly setting a female teacher, Malama Ummulkhair, accused of attempting to steal a child in their community.
The 24 suspects were remanded after being arraigned by the Kaduna police over their involvement in the mob action that occurred in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
They were brought before the court on Tuesday by the police for killing the mother of four after being wrongly accused of child theft during the weekend.
Police said the suspects are facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide following investigations into the woman’s death.
After their charges were read to the suspects in the language they understand, the court adjourned the matter until July 21, 2026, for further hearing and ordered that all 24 residents be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
During their arraignment, the Kaduna police spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, disclosed that the arraignment was the outcome of a comprehensive investigation launched immediately after the incident.
Moreover, the police stated that the residents were prosecuted after evidence gathered during the investigation linked them to the mob actions.
“The suspects face charges of criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide,” the spokesman added.
Furthermore, the police disclosed that more than 100 additional suspects remain under investigation for their alleged involvement in the incident, warning that anyone found culpable would also be brought before the court.
“Over 100 additional suspects remain under investigation for their alleged roles in the incident. Those found culpable will also be arraigned in court,” Hassan stated.
The command strongly condemned mob action and jungle justice, stressing that individuals who take the law into their own hands would face the full weight of the law.
“We warn that anyone who takes the law into their own hands will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” the police spokesman added.
Also, Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu assured residents that justice would be served, while urging members of the public to report criminal allegations through lawful channels rather than resorting to violence.
“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,” Rabiu said.
Police explained that the victim had been accused by some residents of child theft, an allegation authorities said was never substantiated.
According to investigators, officers had rescued the woman and placed her in protective custody after tensions began to rise.
However, the situation later escalated when a large crowd reportedly stormed the police station, overpowered security personnel, forcefully removed the woman from custody, and killed her.
The incident also destroyed sections of the police facility and other public property, attracting condemnation from residents and civil society groups.
Meanwhile, the police reiterated their commitment to ensuring that everyone connected to the incident is brought to justice and called on residents to cooperate with security agencies in the ongoing investigation.