By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar has expressed concern over the absence of prosecutors during her committee’s routine quarterly review of cases of inmates awaiting trial at the various correctional centres across the state.
Justice Rabi Talatu Umar stated this during the two day visit to Bauchi, Misau, Azare, Jama’are and Ningi correctional centres as part of ongoing efforts to decongest the correctional facilities across the state and promote timely administration of justice.
The visit was also aimed at reviewing several cases of inmates awaiting trials, and exercise judicial discretion in ordering the release of those deemed eligible.
Justice Rabi Umar explained that the absence of prosecutors or late arrival of the quarterly review has been stalling proceedings, saying that without a prosecutor to advance evidence or give information on a particular case, such a case cannot be reviewed for either bail or setting free persons involved.
At the Bauchi correctional centre, the State Chief Judge set free three accused persons for alleged culpable homicide; kidnapping; criminal conspiracy, trespass, and armed robbery, who have spent six years, and four years respectively without trials or attending the court of law.
The Chief Judge noted with concern over past sittings of the committee where accused case files could not be traced for review, pointing out that leaving them in confinement for unforeseeable period of time is against their fundamental rights of freedom, hence the committee has resolved to set them free.
She urged prosecutors to exhibit greater diligence in their day-to-day duties, particularly in the quick conclusion of investigations and presenting prompt evidence to the appropriate channels to avoid unnecessary delays in court proceedings.
Justice Rabi advised the inmates who had regained their freedom to be law-abiding and engage in ligitimate activities that will benefit them, their families and the society at large.
Justice Rabi, who chairs the Administration of Justice Committee at Ningi correctional centre granted bail to two awaiting trials inmates and asked those in confinement to reform themselves in order to be of good examples to others when they get into the larger society after serving their jail terms.
Also speaking during the exercise, the Bauchi State Controller of Correctional Centres, CCS Isa Nuru Mohammed expressed his gratitude to the Chief Judge for her commitment and for taking the time to personally inspect the custodial centres.
CCS Isa Mohammed also acknowledged the vital role played by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in supporting the decongestion correctional centres in the state and encouraged the released inmates to demonstrate good behavior as they reintegrate into society.
One of the accused (name withheld) told the committee that he was randomly arrested at a market doing his legitimate duty as a loader following an brigandage that arose from an annual wrestling jamboree in one of the Local Government Area headquarters of Bauchi state.