The Bauchi State Ministry of Justice recorded no fewer than 75 murder circumstances, 28 kidnapping circumstances, and 86 rape circumstances through the 2024–2025 authorized 12 months.
Lawyer Common and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Hassan Usman, disclosed this on Tuesday in Bauchi on the opening of the 2025–2026 authorized 12 months.
He mentioned: “In legal issues from January so far, we obtained a complete of 91 theft circumstances, in comparison with 83 final 12 months, and 75 murder circumstances.
“We had been additionally served with motions for bail and different purposes totalling 256, in addition to 86 rape circumstances and 28 kidnapping circumstances.
“In all, we dealt with 592 legal circumstances, of which 97 have been concluded, 15 had been discharged by means of authorized recommendation, whereas 454 stay pending.”
Usman famous that, given the quantity of circumstances, the Ministry had devised new methods to expedite prosecutions in line with the Administration of Legal Justice Legislation, which emphasises well timed trials, together with strict timelines for submitting fees and conducting hearings.
He disclosed that Governor Bala Mohammed accepted N7.8 million for the acquisition of legislation books and different skilled supplies for the Ministry’s library. The governor additionally accepted month-to-month releases to settle all excellent judgment money owed owed by the state authorities.
Usman counseled the governor for what he described as constant help, dedication, and encouragement to the state’s justice sector.
Earlier, the Chief Decide of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Umar, criticised the recurring apply of arraigning suspects with out enough preliminary investigations.
She famous that in many cases, evidence-gathering solely started after a trial had already began.
She mentioned: “This outdated method to legal prosecution causes important delays and undermines the administration of justice.
“It’s unacceptable that in 2025, we nonetheless witness such practices, which contribute to the rising backlog of circumstances and weaken public belief in the justice system.
“To deal with this and different issues, a committee has been constituted to evaluate the Bauchi State Administration of Legal Justice Legislation and produce a draft that can stand the check of time.”
Justice Umar additionally acknowledged that any lawyer who fails to adjust to the accepted gown code for authorized practitioners in the state wouldn’t be allowed to look in court docket, including that disregard for normal apparel diminishes the status and worldwide popularity of the authorized career.
In his remarks, Governor Mohammed mentioned the three arms of presidency in the state had continued to function in concord and mutual respect with out compromising their constitutional roles.
Represented by his deputy, Alh. Auwal Jatau, he mentioned his administration had persistently offered the legislative and judicial arms with the help wanted to perform successfully and with out obstruction.
