By The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has released 18 inmates who had been awaiting trial, as part of efforts to decongest correctional centers in the state.
During the release, she expressed concern over the rising number of cases related to alleged witchcraft in legal proceedings. She questioned the validity of such accusations, stating, “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.”
Justice Rabi also criticized the practice of imposing excessive compensation fees on convicts, especially when rulings include the option of a fine. She urged judges and magistrates to exercise fairness in their judgments to prevent unnecessary hardship on offenders.
She noted that heavy compensation demands often prolong convicts’ imprisonment, as many are unable to pay. To address this, she warned that any judge imposing unreasonable fines would be held responsible for the cost or required to cover the amount themselves.
The Chief Judge specifically pointed out that fines ranging from N100,000 to N300,000 effectively encourage theft rather than deter it. She stressed the need for judges to balance justice with mercy by ensuring fines and compensations remain fair and enforceable.
Her remarks come amid broader judicial reforms aimed at improving the legal system and ensuring that punishments align with justice rather than financial burden.
