Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Twenty-four suspects have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting at the Nigeria Defence Academy Junction in Kaduna over the mob killing of a woman in the Maraban Jos area of the state, an incident that also left police and public property destroyed.
The Kaduna State Police Command said the defendants were brought before the court following investigations into a June 21 attack in which the victim was lynched after being forcibly removed from police custody by an angry crowd.
According to the police, the suspects face charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide.
The court adjourned the case until July 21, 2026, and ordered that all defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending further hearing.
Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan said the command acted after concluding initial investigations into the incident, stressing that more arrests were still being processed.
He noted that over 100 additional persons remain under investigation for their alleged involvement.
“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 added that those found culpable among the wider group under investigation would also be prosecuted.
Police authorities said the victim had earlier been taken into protective custody at the Maraban Jos Division after residents accused her of child theft, an allegation that had not been established at the time.
Tensions escalated when a large crowd reportedly overpowered officers, broke into the station, and dragged the woman out of custody before she was killed. The attack also resulted in significant damage to police facilities and other public infrastructure.
The police condemned the incident, warning against mob action and stressing that no individual has the right to take 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.
Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu urged residents to rely on lawful channels when reporting suspicions, assuring that justice would be pursued for the victim and accountability enforced.
“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,” he said.
