David Awoyode
The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has raised alarm over persistent delays in justice delivery caused by prosecutors failing to attend case review sessions for inmates awaiting trial. Speaking during a quarterly review at the Bauchi Custodial Centre, she noted that several sessions could not proceed because prosecutors either arrived late or did not show up at all.
Long Detentions Without Trial
During the exercise, Justice Umar ordered the release of three inmates who had spent between four and six years in custody without trial. They had been accused of offences including culpable homicide, kidnapping, conspiracy, trespass, and armed robbery. She revealed that in some cases, inmates’ case files could not be traced, leaving them incarcerated indefinitely—an infringement of their fundamental rights.
Inmate’s Story of Wrong Arrest
One freed inmate recounted being wrongly arrested while working as a market porter during a clash at a festival. Justice Umar, who chairs the Administration of Justice Committee, also visited correctional centres in Darazo, Misau, Azare, Jama’are, and Ningi, granting bail to two additional inmates.
Call for Timely Investigations
She urged prosecutors to complete investigations promptly and present evidence without unnecessary delays, stressing that negligence should not lead to denial of justice. She also advised the freed inmates to live responsibly and contribute positively to society, while encouraging others still in custody to embrace reform.
Acknowledgement of Committee’s Efforts
Bauchi State Controller of Correctional Centres, CCS Isa Nuru Mohammed, commended Justice Umar’s dedication and praised the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) for helping reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities. The two-day review exercise is part of ongoing efforts to ensure faster and fairer justice delivery in the state
