The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ummulkhairi, a woman who was allegedly lynched by a mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, after being accused of child kidnapping.

In a statement signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the organisation condemned the killing, describing it as a failure of law and order and a dangerous example of how rumours can trigger violence.

MPAC said Ummulkhairi, who was a teacher, wife and mother of four, was taken from lawful custody after allegations were made against her, before she was allegedly attacked and killed by members of the community.

The group said no accusation should justify mob action, stressing that every suspect has a right to due process under the law.

“This was not justice. This was not community protection. It was organised savagery enabled by rumour, fear and institutional failure,” MPAC said.

The organisation said no allegation, regardless of how serious, should justify the killing of a suspect, adding that allowing accusations to replace legal processes could push society towards lawlessness.

MPAC also raised concerns over reports surrounding the role of security personnel during the incident, saying conflicting accounts about her final moments in custody required further investigation.

While noting that official statements had denied any involvement by law enforcement officers, the group said public accounts had raised questions that needed to be addressed through an independent and transparent probe.

It called for an investigation into the actions of security officers and community members involved in the incident, including the circumstances surrounding her transfer from custody to the mob.

“The legitimacy of the state is measured by its ability to protect the innocent, even when they are unpopular, accused or misunderstood,” MPAC said.

The group warned that the killing was part of a wider problem where rumours and misinformation increasingly lead to violence, leaving accused persons without the protection of the justice system.

It demanded the immediate identification, arrest and prosecution of everyone directly or indirectly involved in Ummulkhairi’s death.

MPAC also called for a public release of investigation findings, support for her family, particularly her four children, and urgent action by authorities to address mob justice, misinformation-driven violence and unlawful detention practices.

The organisation said failure to take decisive action could worsen public distrust and encourage more cases of mob violence.

“When citizens begin to believe that accusations equal guilt and mobs equal courts, the foundations of justice have already been undermined,” it said.

The group urged authorities to ensure that justice for Ummulkhairi was “decisive, visible and uncompromising”.