The Inspector-General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), to investigate a petition alleging the unlawful handing over of a suspect to a mob in Kaduna, which allegedly resulted in her lynching and extrajudicial killing.
Ummulkhairi Usman, an Islamiyya school teacher, was killed in Maraban Jos after she was accused of trying to steal children in the area.
There are also allegations that the suspect was handed over to the mob by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) after threats by the irate youths to burn down the police station.
The Kaduna State Police Command however defended the DPO, stating that the officer led a team to rescue the woman from the mob and took her to the station for safety before the facility was overwhelmed by a large, violent crowd.
In a letter dated 23rd June 2026, the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, CP Lateef Adio Ahmed, acknowledged receipt of a petition from Hamza N. Dantani, Esq. of Potent Attorneys, Maitama, Abuja.
The petition dated 22nd June 2026 had called for “an immediate, independent and thorough investigation” into the incident, which also cited allegations of intimidation.
“I have the honour to convey the compliments of the Inspector-General of Police and acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 22nd June, 2026 on the above underlined subject.
“I write to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department to attend to your matter,” the letter stated.
Dateline Nigeria reports that the IGP’s directive comes amid growing public concern over mob justice and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force regulations and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act prohibit officers from handing over suspects in custody to mobs or any unauthorised persons. Police policy mandates that suspects must be processed through the criminal justice system, with rights to fair trial and protection from harm while in custody. Any officer found culpable of aiding mob action faces disciplinary action, prosecution, and dismissal.
The FCID is expected to commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death, identify officers or individuals involved, and determine if there were breaches of police procedure and the law.