Saturday, February 22, 2025 - The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has raised concerns over the increasing number of witchcraft-related cases, describing them as a persistent challenge in legal jurisprudence. She made this known while reviewing cases of awaiting trial inmates at Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre during a two-day quarterly visit by the Administration of Justice Committee, which she chairs.
Justice Rabi stated, “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one.
It is an issue that is difficult to prove unless the accused confesses.” The
Administration of Justice Committee includes key legal and security officials
such as the State Controller of Custodial Centres, the State Grand Khadi, the
Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecution, and the Chairman of
the Nigerian Bar Association in Bauchi.
During the visit, the Chief Judge cautioned judges and magistrates
against imposing excessive compensation on convicts, especially in cases where
fines are an option, noting that high compensation fees often prolong convicts’
stay in correctional facilities.
“Moving forward, any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a
convict will be required to pay or settle it themselves,” she warned.
She criticised the imposition of hefty compensation amounts such as
N100,000, N200,000, or even N300,000, arguing that such practices could
encourage criminal behaviour. She urged judges to ensure that compensation
remains fair while maintaining a balance between justice and mercy.
“I am troubled by the trend of excessive compensation imposed by judges.
Where do you expect a convict to get such large sums? If they cannot pay, they
may resort to crime again upon release just to meet the court’s demands,” she
explained.
She emphasised the need for reasonability in determining compensation,
adding that it is nearly impossible for victims to fully recover stolen or lost
property.
“When sentencing a convict, consider the punishment they have already
served. If they have been imprisoned for two or three years, requiring them to
repay the full value of stolen items could be unfair. The other party may have
to forfeit something as well,” she added.
During the review exercise, she ordered the release of 18 inmates
awaiting trial—seven from Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, seven from
Bauchi Custodial Centre, three from Ningi Correctional Centre, and one from
Misau Correctional Centre.
Addressing those released, she remarked, “You have been in custody for
too long without being charged or taken to court. Even if convicted, your
sentence would not have exceeded the time already spent here. That is why this
committee has decided to release you unconditionally.”
She urged them to learn from their experience, reintegrate into society
as responsible individuals, and acquire skills for self-reliance.
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