By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo, Kaduna
The husband of Ummulkhairi Muhammad, the woman lynched and burnt by a mob in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, has alleged that a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) removed her hijab and sent her back to the crowd shortly before she was killed.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored in Kaduna, Aliyu Muhammad recounted the final moments leading to the death of his wife, who was accused by some residents of child theft.
He said the couple had been married for 14 years and had four children—two boys and two girls—adding that the day of the incident began like any other.
Aliyu said they exchanged pleasantries before leaving home for their respective engagements.
“When I was leaving for work that morning, she told me they had a religious lecture at Malama Mardiyya’s Islamiyya school. I then left for my mechanic workshop,” he said.
He said he later experienced an unexplained feeling of unease but did not share it with his wife.
“Two days before her death, I kept feeling uneasy, as if something bad was going to happen, but I did not tell her,” he added.
The grieving husband alleged that his wife had sought refuge at a police station after being attacked by a mob, but was later returned to the attackers.
He further alleged that a DPO removed her hijab and ordered her out of the station, after which she was beaten and set ablaze.
The allegation has added a new dimension to the incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing the woman being attacked and burnt in public.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and arraignment of 24 suspects in connection with the killing.
The suspects were charged before a Magistrate Court sitting at NDA Junction, Kaduna, on offences including criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, mischief, destruction of public and police property, and culpable homicide.
