The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has expressed concern over the increasing number of witchcraft-related cases, describing them as a persistent legal challenge.
She made this known while reviewing the cases of awaiting trial inmates at Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre during a two-day routine visit by the Administration of Justice Committee.
Umar noted that proving witchcraft in court remains difficult unless the accused confesses. “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one,” she said.
During the visit, she also cautioned judges and magistrates against imposing excessive compensation on convicts, stating that high fines often prolong incarceration and may encourage criminal behavior.
“Any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a convict will be required to pay or settle it themselves,” she warned.
She criticized the imposition of hefty fines, arguing that expecting convicts to pay large sums could push them into crime upon release.
As part of the review, she ordered the release of 18 inmates awaiting trial, stating that they had spent longer in custody than their potential sentences.
The Administration of Justice Committee, which includes top legal and security officials, conducts quarterly reviews to ensure fairness in the judicial process.
Umar urged the released inmates to reintegrate into society responsibly and acquire skills for self-reliance.
