A horrific act of mob justice has shocked residents of Maraban Jos in Kaduna State after a woman identified as Malama Ummulkhairi was brutally killed and set ablaze by an angry mob over allegations of child theft. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026, has sparked outrage across the state and renewed concerns about the growing menace of jungle justice, lawlessness, and the dangerous spread of mob violence fueled by rumors and misinformation.
Victim was an Islamic teacher and mother of five
According to accounts from family members and associates, the deceased, an Islamic teacher and mother of more than five children, had traveled from the New Maraban Jos area to attend an Islamic lecture reportedly organized at a local school in the old Maraban Jos axis. She allegedly lost her way after being separated from some of her companions and sought directions from children in the neighborhood. Shortly afterward, some residents reportedly accused her of attempting to steal children, an allegation that witnesses and relatives insist was entirely baseless.
Mob stormed police station to seize victim
As tension escalated, a crowd gathered and the woman was reportedly taken to a nearby police station for her protection and investigation. Family members who rushed to the station reportedly attempted to identify her and explain that she was a known Islamic teacher. Witnesses said efforts were also made to calm the situation and convince the crowd to allow security agencies to investigate the allegation. However, a large mob later stormed the police station, overwhelmed officers on duty, and forcibly removed the woman from protective custody. The mob subsequently killed her and set her body ablaze.
Police condemn barbaric act, arrest suspects
Reacting to the incident, the Kaduna State Police Command strongly condemned the attack. The spokesperson for the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, described the act as barbaric, criminal, and a direct assault on the rule of law. According to the statement, police officers had moved the woman into custody for her safety and to investigate the allegation against her before the mob attacked the station. The command disclosed that several suspects had already been arrested while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others involved in the attack. It assured that a comprehensive investigation had commenced and that all those responsible would face the full weight of the law. The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the command would not tolerate jungle justice, mob violence, or attacks on police formations and personnel. He urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to law enforcement agencies and allow due process to take its course.
