The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six suspects over the lynching of two innocent travellers who were allegedly mistaken for thieves by a mob while on their way to visit a sick relative in Tudun Wada, Zaria.
The victims, identified as Muhammadu Sani and his friend, Aliyu Mohammed, both of Umar Village in Igabi Local Government Area, were travelling on a newly purchased motorcycle when they were attacked by the mob despite repeatedly explaining that they were not criminals.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer disclosed this in a statement, saying police operatives from the Birnin Yero Division swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving a report of the incident.
According to the statement, six suspects were arrested in connection with the unlawful killing and have since confessed to their roles in the attack. The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who participated in the mob action.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, Rabiu Muhammad, condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing the killing as a reprehensible act of jungle justice that has no place in a lawful society.
He vowed that all those found culpable, regardless of their status or position, would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Command will ensure that every individual involved in this unlawful killing is brought to justice. No one is above the law, and all those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” the Commissioner said.
Muhammad warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands based on mere suspicion or allegations, stressing that no individual has the legal authority to assume the role of investigator, prosecutor or judge.
He emphasised that under the law, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Commissioner urged residents to report suspected criminals to the nearest police station or other relevant security agencies for proper investigation and prosecution, rather than resorting to self-help or mob action.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and appealed to members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in promoting peace, justice and the rule of law across Kaduna State.
