A mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, on Saturday, killed an Islamic teacher, Malama Ummulkhairi, after dragging her out of police custody over an unverified allegation of child theft.
According to family members, the victim had travelled from the New Maraban Jos area to attend an Islamic lecture in the old Maraban Jos axis. She reportedly became separated from her group and lost her way.
While seeking directions from children in the area, residents allegedly accused her of attempting to abduct a child. Witnesses and relatives maintain that the accusation was baseless.
She was taken by some residents to a nearby police station, where officers placed her in protective custody pending investigation.
Family members who arrived at the station identified her as a known Islamic teacher and appealed for calm.
Witnesses said efforts were made to persuade the crowd to allow the police to handle the matter but those efforts failed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Kaduna State Police Command said a large mob later stormed the station, overwhelmed officers and forcibly took the woman away. She was subsequently killed and her body set ablaze.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, described the act as barbaric, criminal and a direct assault on the rule of law.
Police said the woman had been placed in custody for her own safety and for investigation before the mob attack.
The command confirmed that several suspects had been arrested, with others still being tracked. It also assured that all those involved would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the command would not tolerate jungle justice or attacks on police facilities. He urged the public to report suspected crimes to security agencies and allow due process to run its course.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
Latest posts by By Ezinwanne Onwuka (Senior Reporter) (see all)