Bauchi CJ frees suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, others held for years without trial

The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has expressed concern over the delay in justice delivery caused by the absence of prosecutors during case reviews for inmates awaiting trial.

Speaking during a quarterly review at the Bauchi Custodial Centre, Justice Umar noted that many sessions are stalled because prosecutors either fail to appear or arrive late. She said this makes it impossible to review cases properly.

During the exercise, she ordered the release of three inmates who had spent between four and six years in custody without trial. 

The men were accused of crimes such as culpable homicide, kidnapping, conspiracy, trespass, and armed robbery.

Justice Umar explained that in several instances, case files of suspects could not be found, leaving them locked up indefinitely. 

She described this as a violation of their fundamental rights, which led to the committee’s decision to discharge them.

One of the released inmates told the committee he was wrongly arrested while working as a market porter during a festival clash.

As chair of the Administration of Justice Committee, Justice Umar also visited correctional centres in Darazo, Misau, Azare, Jama’are, and Ningi, where she granted bail to two more inmates.

She urged prosecutors to complete investigations on time and present evidence without delays, stressing that justice should not be denied because of negligence. 

The Chief Judge also advised the freed inmates to live responsibly and contribute positively to society, while encouraging others still in custody to embrace reform.

The Bauchi State Controller of Correctional Centres, CCS Isa Nuru Mohammed, praised Justice Umar for her dedication and acknowledged the work of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in easing overcrowding in facilities.

The two-day exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure quicker and fairer justice delivery in the state.

Bauchi CJ frees suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, others held for years without trial