The Kaduna State Police Command has arraigned 17 additional suspects in connection with the gruesome mob killing of a woman in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, as authorities intensify efforts to ensure that everyone involved in the incident is brought to justice.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, in Kaduna.
According to the statement, the newly arrested suspects were arraigned before a competent court on June 25 after the police concluded preliminary investigations into their alleged involvement in the violent attack.
The Command explained that the arraignment represents another significant step in its ongoing investigation into the tragic incident, which sparked widespread public outrage and renewed concerns over mob justice in the state.
In addition to the 17 suspects, the police revealed that 33 other individuals have also been formally charged with criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly in connection with the case.
“Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, 33 other suspects have been charged with criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly,” the statement read.
READ RELATED STORY
Kaduna Police probe violent political meeting linked to El-Rufai
Kaduna Police arrest 3 members of notorious kidnap syndicate
The police, however, clarified that not everyone initially taken into custody was found culpable. According to the Command, 30 persons who were earlier arrested during the investigation were released unconditionally after investigators established that they had no direct involvement in the killing.
The statement noted that thorough investigations showed the individuals did not participate in the crime, leading to their immediate and unconditional release.
Despite the progress recorded so far, the Command emphasized that investigations remain ongoing. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence while intensifying efforts to identify, track down and apprehend every person who participated in the mob attack.
The police assured members of the public that no effort would be spared in ensuring that all perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Command remains committed to identifying and apprehending all those involved in the gruesome killing. Every individual found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Muhammad Rabiu, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to secure justice for the victim while maintaining peace and public order across the state.
He stressed that the police would continue to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that no innocent person is wrongfully prosecuted, while those directly responsible for the crime are held accountable.
Rabiu also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, urging members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist investigators.
According to the Commissioner, community support remains crucial to the success of the ongoing investigation and broader efforts to combat criminal activities across Kaduna State.
He further assured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property while promoting respect for the rule of law.
The police reiterated that mob justice has no place in a lawful society and warned that anyone found participating in acts of violence or taking the law into their own hands would be prosecuted.
The Command called on residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities through established communication channels, stressing that prompt information from the public often plays a vital role in solving criminal cases.
The mob killing, which attracted widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and members of the public, has once again highlighted the dangers of jungle justice and the need for citizens to allow security agencies and the judicial system to handle criminal allegations through due process.
The Kaduna State Police Command assured the public that it would continue to pursue every suspect connected with the incident until justice is served and all those responsible are held accountable before the law.
