Bauchi State Chief Justice Judge Rabi Talatu Umar raised concerns about the growing number of cases related to witchcraft, saying they are an ongoing challenge in law and law . She was reviewing Jama’s largest correctional center trials inmates during a two-day quarterly visit to the Judiciary Committee she chaired.
“If you are not a witch, you cannot identify it. This is a difficult issue unless the defendant admits it.” The Judicial Commission Management Committee includes key legal and security officials, such as the state controller of the state trusteeship center, State Grand Cardi State, police chief, prosecutor chief and president of the Nigerian Bar Association.
During the visit, the Chief Justice warned the judges and magistrates not to impose excessive compensation on offenders, especially in the case of fines, noting that high compensation fees usually extend the offender’s residence in the correctional facility.
“Moving forward, any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on the offender will be asked to pay or resolve it themselves,” she warned.
She criticized large amounts of compensation, such as N100,000, N200,000 or even N300,000, which she believed would encourage criminal acts. She urged the judge to ensure that compensation is fair while maintaining a balance between justice and mercy.
“I’m upset with the tendency of judges to impose excessive compensation. Do you want a criminal to get such a huge amount? If they can’t pay, they may re-appe for the crime after release to meet the court’s demands,” she explained.
She stressed the need to determine the rationality of compensation, adding that it was almost impossible for victims to fully recover stolen or lost property.
“When sentenced, consider the punishment they have served. If they have been imprisoned for two or three years, it may be unfair to ask them to repay the full value of the stolen items. The other party may also have to give up something.” She added explain.
During the review exercise, she ordered the release of 18 prisoners awaiting trial, even seven of Jama’are’s largest correctional center, Bauchi Custodial Center, and three from Ningi Correctional Center, Another one comes from the Misau Correctional Center.
Speaking to the released person, she said: “You have been detained for too long and have not been prosecuted or taken to court. Even if you are convicted, your sentences will not exceed the time spent here. That’s why the committee Decide the reason for unconditional release of you.”
She urged them to learn from experience, reintegrate into society with responsible individuals, and gain self-reliance skills.
