Rabi Umar, the chief judge of Bauchi state, has expressed concern over an uptick in the number of cases bordering on witchcraft.

 

Speaking during a review of awaiting trial cases at the Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre in Bauchi, the chief judge described the concept of witchcraft as a challenge to legal jurisprudence.

 

“If you are not a witch, you cannot know who is a witch. It is an issue that could hardly be established unless the witch confesses to be one,” she said.

 

Umar also cautioned judges and magistrates against imposing excessive compensation on convicts, particularly in cases where there is an option of a fine.

 

She highlighted that high compensation fees often prolong inmates’ stay in correctional facilities, making reintegration into society even more difficult.

 

She warned judicial officers that moving forward, “any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a convict will be required to pay or settle it themselves”.

 

‘WHERE DO THEY GET THE MONEY TO PAY?’

 Criticising the trend of hefty compensation amounts ranging from N100,000 to N300,000, she argued that such practices could push convicts further into criminal activities.

 

“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 said.

 

Asking convicts to repay the full value of stolen or lost property, especially after serving years in prison, is often unfair, she stated.

 

She advised that victims may have to accept partial forfeitures rather than expect full restitution.

 

“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,” the chief judge added.

 

During the review exercise, she ordered the release of 18 inmates awaiting trial from Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, seven from the Bauchi Custodial Centre, three from the Ningi Correctional Centre, and one from Misau Correctional Centre.

 

Addressing those released, she said: “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.”

 

The review was conducted under the administration of justice committee, which 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.

 

The exercise aligns with ongoing efforts to decongest correctional facilities and ensure that justice is served fairly and efficiently.