The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested six suspects over the allegation of being motorcycle thieves. The incident comes weeks after a Muslim woman was killed in a mob attack in the state, with some of those allegedly involved currently facing murder charges.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the incident occurred on July 1, 2026. According to him, Muhammadu Sani and his friend, Aliyu Mohammed, both from Umar Village in Igabi Local Government Area, were travelling on a motorcycle to Tudun Wada, Zaria, to visit a sick relative when they were attacked.

Hassan said that while passing through Gidan Kalu Village, some residents allegedly became suspicious after seeing the pair riding a new motorcycle and began shouting “thieves.”
“In fear for their lives, the victims abandoned the motorcycle and fled. They were, however, pursued by an angry mob, brutally attacked and lynched despite explaining that they were not thieves. Some of the assailants even knew them,” he said.

The police spokesman said operatives from the Birnin Yero Police Division responded after receiving a complaint and arrested Abdullahi Mukailu Kigo and five other suspects in connection with the incident. According to Hassan, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement and are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who participated in the attack.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, condemned the incident in the strongest terms and vowed that all those found culpable, regardless of their status, would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Commissioner of Police warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands based on mere allegations. Anyone involved in jungle justice will be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law, irrespective of status or position,” Hassan said.

He added that no individual has the legal authority to assume the role of investigator, stressing that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

The police urged residents to report suspected criminals to the nearest police station or other security agencies for proper investigation and prosecution rather than resort to mob action.