The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six suspects over the lynching of two travellers who were falsely accused of theft by an angry mob in Birnin Yero, Kaduna State.
The victims, identified as Muhammadu Sani, 45, and his friend, Aliyu Mohammed, 40, both from Umar Village in Igabi Local Government Area, were reportedly travelling on a motorcycle to visit a sick relative in Tudun Wada, Zaria, on July 1 when they were attacked and killed.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the victims came under attack after residents became suspicious on seeing them riding a new motorcycle and raised an alarm, accusing them of being thieves.
According to him, the two men abandoned the motorcycle and fled while repeatedly insisting they were innocent. However, the mob allegedly ignored their pleas, pursued them and lynched them.
Hassan disclosed that some of the attackers were known to the victims but still participated in the assault.
He said operatives of the Birnin Yero Police Division responded swiftly after receiving a distress report and arrested six suspects, including Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo, in connection with the killings.
“The suspects have confessed to participating in the crime and are currently in police custody. Investigation has been intensified to identify and arrest other persons involved in the unlawful killing,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, Rabiu Muhammad, condemned the mob action in the strongest terms, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He vowed that everyone found culpable, irrespective of status or position, would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commissioner warned residents against taking the law into their own hands over mere allegations, stressing that jungle justice remains a criminal offence.
He reminded the public that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction and urged residents to report suspected criminals to the police or other security agencies for proper investigation instead of resorting to violence.
The Kaduna State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and bringing all those involved in the killings to justice.
