The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar has raised concerns over the rising 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 routine visit by the Administration of Justice Committee.
Justice Rabi noted the difficulty of proving witchcraft allegations, stating, “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one. It is an issue that is difficult to prove unless the accused confesses.”
During the visit, the Chief Judge cautioned judges and magistrates against imposing hefty compensation fines on convicts, especially when fines are an option. She warned that such practices prolong inmates’ stay in correctional facilities and could lead to further criminal behaviours.
“Moving forward, any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a convict will be required to pay or settle it themselves,” she declared.
Justice Rabi criticized compensation amounts as high as N100,000 to N300,000, arguing that such penalties often push convicts into desperation.
“I am troubled by this trend. If a convict cannot afford such large sums, they may resort to crime again just to meet the court’s demands,” she explained.
She urged the judiciary to strike a balance between justice and mercy, emphasizing that victims might not always recover stolen property fully.
“When sentencing, consider the time already served. If an inmate has spent two or three years in custody, forcing them to pay the full value of stolen items may be unfair,” she added.
As part of the review, Justice Rabi ordered the release of 18 awaiting trial inmates across various correctional centres—seven from Jama’are, seven from Bauchi, three from Ningi, and one from Misau.
“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 told the freed inmates.
She urged them to reintegrate into society as responsible individuals, encouraging them to acquire skills for self-reliance.
The Administration of Justice Committee, which she chairs, 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.
Reported by Daily Trust.
