The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has expressed concern over the growing number of cases related to witchcraft, describing it as a persistent challenge in legal proceedings. She made this remark during a case review of awaiting trial inmates at Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre as part of a two-day routine visit by the Administration of Justice Committee, which she chairs.
Justice Rabi noted the difficulty in proving witchcraft allegations, stating, “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one. It is an issue that is hard to establish unless the accused confesses.”During the visit, she also cautioned judges and magistrates against imposing excessive compensation on convicts, particularly in cases where fines could be an alternative. She pointed out that high compensation fees often extend inmates’ time in correctional facilities.”Moving forward, any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a convict will be required to pay it themselves,” she warned.
Justice Rabi criticized the imposition of hefty compensation amounts, such as N100,000, N200,000, or N300,000, arguing that such penalties could lead to further criminal behavior. She urged judicial officers to strike a balance between justice and fairness.“I am deeply concerned about 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 upon release just to meet the court’s demands,” she stated.She further emphasized the importance of considering the convict’s time already served, arguing that full repayment of stolen items might not always be fair.“As judges, we must exercise reasonability.
If a convict has already spent two or three years in prison, demanding full compensation could be unjust. In some cases, the victim may also have to bear some losses,” she added.As part of the case review exercise, Justice Rabi ordered the release of 18 inmates who had been awaiting trial for extended periods. The released inmates included 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 stated, “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 encouraged them to reintegrate into society responsibly and advised them to acquire skills for self-reliance.
