A 42-year-old mechanic, Aliyu Muhammed, has accused police officers in Kaduna State of handing his wife, Ummulkhairi Muhammed, over to an angry mob that allegedly lynched and burned her to death after she was falsely accused of attempting to traffic children.
Speaking in an interview, Muhammed said his wife had left home for an Islamiya school in Tsohuwa Mararaban Jos on the day of the incident. While at work in Kaduna, he received a phone call informing him that she had been detained by residents over allegations of child trafficking.
According to him, the caller said the accusation had not been verified and advised that someone familiar with the community should come to identify her. Muhammed immediately contacted a friend and community leader, who reportedly informed the police and requested officers to rescue her.
Despite being taken to a police station, Muhammed alleged that the Divisional Police Officer later dragged his wife out of the station and handed her over to the waiting crowd. He claimed the mob attacked her, placed her motorcycle on top of her, and set both ablaze.
The grieving husband said he arrived after the attack and found his wife’s body at the scene. He added that the tragedy has left him struggling emotionally while their four children cope with the loss of their mother.
Muhammed called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the DPO, insisting that no suspect should be handed over to a mob regardless of the allegations against them.
He also urged Nigerians to reject jungle justice, stressing that accusations should be investigated through lawful procedures and that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt.
Police authorities have reportedly arrested several suspects in connection with the killing, although Muhammed said he has not been officially briefed on the investigation or those in custody.
KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS
