Husband Alleges Police Handed Wife to Mob Before Lynching in Kaduna

The husband of Malama Ummulkhair Muhammad has accused police officers of handing his wife over to an angry mob that later lynched and burned her to death in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, following allegations of child theft.

Speaking in an emotional interview, Aliyu Muhammad said he believed his wife would be safe after she was taken into police custody. However, he alleged that officers at the police station later released her to the waiting crowd. According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) removed her hijab before she was handed over to the mob.

The Kaduna State Police Command has denied the allegation, maintaining that officers rescued Ummulkhair from the mob and placed her in protective custody. Police said a large crowd later stormed the station, overpowered officers, forcibly took the woman away, and killed her before setting her body on fire.

Aliyu described his late wife as an innocent woman devoted to her family and Islamic studies, insisting she had no involvement in child theft. The couple had been married for 14 years and are survived by four children.

The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with disturbing videos circulating on social media and renewing concerns over the growing menace of mob justice in Nigeria.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani condemned the killing as barbaric and announced that 41 suspects have been charged with culpable homicide, while 30 others are facing charges related to unlawful assembly. He also directed security agencies to investigate allegations of negligence or complicity by police officers involved in the incident.

The government has pledged to support the deceased's husband and sponsor the education of their four children.

Religious organization Jama'atu Nasril Islam also condemned the killing, calling for a transparent investigation and urging Nigerians to reject mob justice and allow the rule of law to prevail.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Ummulkhair's death and whether any security personnel played a role in the tragedy.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share