Islamic Teacher Lynched, Body Set Ablaze in Kaduna Over False Child Theft Accusation

Islamic Teacher Lynched, Body Set Ablaze in Kaduna Over False Child Theft Accusation

KADUNA, Nigeria — In a horrifying display of mob violence that has sent shockwaves across the state, a woman was dragged from police custody and lynched by an angry crowd in the Maraban Jos area of Kaduna State on Saturday, June 21, 2026. The victim, identified as Malama Ummulkhairi, an Islamic teacher and mother of more than five children, was accused of child theft—an allegation that police and witnesses have since described as completely unsubstantiated. The Kaduna State Police Command has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law.” Several suspects have already been arrested, and a comprehensive investigation is underway.

The tragic chain of events began on the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2026, when Malama Ummulkhairi reportedly traveled from the New Maraban Jos area to attend an Islamic lecture in the old Maraban Jos axis. According to witnesses and family members, she became separated from her companions and lost her way, prompting her to seek directions from children in the neighborhood. Shortly afterward, residents in the vicinity accused her of attempting to steal children—an allegation that police later confirmed was not supported by any evidence.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Maraban Jos received a distress call at approximately 10:00 a.m. reporting that a woman was being attacked by a mob over the child theft allegations. The DPO immediately mobilized a team of officers to the scene, successfully rescued Malama Ummulkhairi from the angry crowd, and took her into protective custody at the local police station for her safety and to facilitate a proper investigation. The police action was intended to ensure the woman’s safety while authorities could verify the allegations against her.

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Despite police intervention, the situation escalated dramatically when hundreds of angry residents reportedly stormed the Maraban Jos police station. The massive crowd allegedly overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, and dragged her from the station. “Despite this, a large crowd in their hundreds later stormed and besieged the police station, overpowered officers on duty, forcibly removed the woman from custody, killed her, and set her body ablaze,” the police statement read. The victim, described as a native of Maraban Jos, was killed and her body set on fire by the mob.

The Kaduna State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, issued a strong statement condemning the act. The command described the mob action as a grave violation of the law and a direct challenge to the justice system. “The Kaduna State Police Command strongly condemns the mob violence that resulted in the gruesome killing of the woman. This act is barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law,” the statement said.

The police command disclosed that several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the killing. A manhunt is currently ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved in the attack. “Several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident, and a manhunt is ongoing for others involved. A comprehensive investigation has commenced, and all culprits will face the full weight of the law,” the statement confirmed.

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has warned residents against resorting to jungle justice and mob violence. He emphasized that the command will not tolerate attacks on police facilities and personnel. “Citizens are urged to report suspicious persons or activities to the Police and allow due process. The Command will not tolerate jungle justice, mob action, or attacks on police formations and personnel,” CP Muhammad stated. The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and upholding justice in accordance with the law.

Islamic Teacher Lynched, Body Set Ablaze in Kaduna Over False Child Theft Accusation