Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has expressed dissatisfaction with the lax attitude of some judges and magistrates, particularly regarding their attendance during her committee’s review of long-awaiting inmates across state correctional centres.
Justice Umar warned that henceforth, any judge or magistrate who fails to attend these case review sessions would face strict disciplinary action.
The Administration of Justice Committee, led by the Chief Judge, concluded its two-day first quarterly 2026 review of inmates’ cases last week. The exercise recorded poor attendance, with less than 30 percent of judges and magistrates present at the Misau, Azare, and Jama’are correctional centres.
Attendance is crucial, Justice Umar noted, as the judges and magistrates provide vital insights and clarifications on cases, facilitating the smooth administration of justice.
Consequently, the Chief Judge instructed the committee’s representative from the State Grand Khadi to compile a list of absentees and report to her office on Monday for further action.
During the exercise, Justice Umar authorized the release of 14 awaiting-trial inmates—one from Jama’are and 13 from Bauchi Custodial Centre—who had spent between three and five years in detention.
Those released included sick individuals, persons with mental challenges, and inmates whose case files could not be easily traced.
Addressing the released inmates at Bauchi Custodial Centre, Magistrate Safiya Musa reminded them of spiritual accountability, saying their release during the holy month of Ramadan should be seen as an act of divine mercy.
“You are fortunate to regain your freedom in this blessed month,” she said. “As you rejoin your families, remember it is God who grants release. Repent and seek forgiveness for past actions.”
Also speaking, Dr. A. G. Haruna (Esq), Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) – Bauchi State Chapter, urged the released inmates to be mindful of their conduct and seek God’s forgiveness.
He emphasized that every action could lead to divine pardon or punishment, noting that even wrongful incarceration could sometimes result in unexpected blessings.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the released inmates, Sani Sale, an ex-inmate, thanked Justice Umar and the committee for their magnanimity. “We are very grateful to God and the committee for granting us freedom,” he said.
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