The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged role of police officers in the mob killing of Ummulkhair at Mararaban Jos in Kaduna state, insisting that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted.
JNI, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the organisation, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, made the demand in a statement issued on Sunday by its Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu.
The Islamic body described the lynching as “barbaric, ungodly and completely condemnable,” warning that the increasing resort to jungle justice was pushing Nigeria towards lawlessness and moral collapse.
JNI expressed particular concern over allegations that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Mararaban Jos Division allegedly surrendered the victim to an angry mob instead of ensuring her safety.
It said: “Particularly disturbing are allegations surrounding the conduct of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Mararaban Jos Division, who reportedly surrendered the victim to the angry mob, instead of guaranteeing her constitutional protection.”
The organisation added that if investigations establish negligence, misconduct or deliberate complicity by any police personnel, “all officers involved directly or indirectly be prosecuted accordingly and be made to face the full consequences of the law, as the duty of law enforcement is protection of life — never surrendering citizens to mob violence.”
JNI also urged security agencies to immediately launch what it described as a sincere, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that every individual involved in the lynching is identified and prosecuted.
According to the organisation, “every individual directly or indirectly involved in the lynching must be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Beyond criminal prosecution, JNI appealed to the Kaduna State Government to provide humanitarian support to the bereaved family, including taking responsibility for the education of the deceased’s children, as well as offering psychological and emotional support.
The organisation further recommended the payment of compensation (Diyya) to the family, saying the measure would promote justice and help forestall any possibility of revenge or reprisal.