In Kaduna State, concerns have intensified following the killing of a woman by a mob in the Maraban Jos area, an incident that has drawn strong legal and public reactions.
The Kaduna Branch of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) described the attack as a brutal act that undermines justice and poses a danger to the rule of law.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Awwal Shittu and Ibrahim Bawa, the group said it was disturbed by reports that the victim was assaulted, killed, and set ablaze over accusations of child theft.
The association condemned the act as unlawful mob action, stressing that no allegation of wrongdoing justifies taking the law into one’s hands. It added that the incident represents a violation of the constitutional right to life as provided under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended).
MULAN also raised alarm over claims that the woman may have been taken from police custody before being killed, describing the situation as a serious concern that calls into question existing security and custodial procedures.
According to the group, if the reports are confirmed, they point to possible security failures that require urgent, open, and thorough investigation.
It further emphasized that law enforcement agencies are responsible for protecting suspects in their custody and ensuring they are only processed through lawful judicial channels, warning that no detainee should be exposed to mob action under any circumstance.
The association called for a comprehensive probe into the killing, urging authorities to arrest and prosecute all individuals involved, whether directly responsible or those who supported or enabled the act.
It also urged a review of the actions of security operatives linked to the victim’s custody, insisting that any form of negligence or complicity should be met with appropriate sanctions.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Kaduna State Police Command in making arrests and advancing investigations, MULAN maintained that accountability must extend to everyone involved in the chain of events.
The group pledged to follow the case closely and reiterated its commitment to the protection of human rights, justice, and the sanctity of life under the law.
It concluded that mob justice weakens public trust in legal institutions and threatens peace and order, while extending sympathy to the bereaved family and calling for justice to be served.