The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six suspects over the alleged mob killing of two travellers who were mistaken for thieves in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, identified as Muhammadu Sani and his friend, Aliyu Mohammed, both from Umar Village in Igabi LGA, were reportedly travelling on a newly purchased motorcycle to Tudun Wada, Zaria, to visit their sick uncle when they were attacked.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the two men were falsely accused of being thieves and lynched by a mob despite their repeated explanations that they were innocent.
The police said operatives from the Birnin Yero Division responded swiftly after receiving a complaint and arrested six suspects in connection with the incident.
The statement added that the suspects had confessed to their involvement in the crime and are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who participated in the unlawful killing.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, strongly condemned the mob action and vowed that everyone found culpable, regardless of status or position, would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that jungle justice based on mere allegations is a criminal offence.
The commissioner emphasized that no individual has the legal authority to act as investigator, judge or executioner, noting that under the law, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
He urged residents to report suspected criminals to the nearest police station or other security agencies for proper investigation and prosecution rather than resorting to mob action.
