The Kaduna police command has arraigned 24 suspects for allegedly killing a woman over child theft allegations in the Maraban Jos area of the state.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mansir Hassan, Kaduna police spokesperson, said the suspects were arraigned at the magistrate court sitting at NDA junction, Kaduna.
On Sunday, a woman was burnt to death by a mob over allegations of child theft in the Maraban Jos area of Kaduna.
Hassan said the police received a distress call that a woman was being attacked by a mob over allegations of child theft, without proof to support the claim.
He said the divisional police officer (DPO) of the area led operatives to the scene, rescued the woman, and moved her to the station for safety and investigation.
According to him, the mob invaded the police station, overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, and lynched and set her ablaze.
The police spokesperson said the suspects are facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide.
Hassan said the case was mentioned and adjourned to July 21 for further hearing, adding that the court ordered the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna state government has described the arraignment of the suspects as a “significant step towards securing justice and reinforcing the rule of law”.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ahmed Maiyaki, the state’s commissioner for information, commended the Kaduna police command for the “prompt action” to prosecute those involved in the killing.
“Governor Uba Sani’s administration will not tolerate any form of mob action or jungle justice. We urge residents to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and allow the law to take its course,” the commissioner said.
“Anyone found taking the law into their own hands will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of status or affiliation.”