Kidnappings, Others – Official
Bauchi State Ministry of Justice said it recorded about 75 homicide cases, 28 kidnappings and 86 cases of rape in the 2024-2025 Legal Year.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Hassan Usman (SAN) disclosed this in Bauchi yesterday during the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year ceremony.
“From January till date, we received 91 robbery cases as against last year which was 83 with 75 homicide cases.
“We were served with motions for bail and others totalling about 256. We also received 86 rape and 28 kidnapping cases.
“We received 592 criminal cases, out of this number, 97 were disposed of, 15 were discharged through legal advice, while 454 are pending,” Usman said.
He noted that with the high volume of cases recorded, the ministry developed strategies to fast-track prosecution.
He said this was in line with the administration of criminal justice law that emphasised speedy trials by setting timelines of filing charges in court and proceedings.
Usman said Governor Bala Mohammed approved N7.8 million for the purchase of law and other practice books for the library.
He added that the governor also approved monthly funds to settle outstanding judgment debts owed by the state government.
The attorney-general appreciated the governor for his benevolence, unwavering commitment and exceptional support to the Ministry of Justice.
Earlier, the Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Umar expressed displeasure at the recurrent practice of arraigning suspects in court without proper preliminary investigations.
She said in many cases, efforts to gather evidence were only initiated after the trial had begun.
“This backward approach to criminal prosecution significantly delays the process and undermines the delivery of justice.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, we have continued to see such practices, which contributed to the overwhelming backlog of cases in our courts and ultimately, eroded public confidence in the justice system.
“To resolve this and other identified lapses, a committee was set up to review the Bauchi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law and come up with a draft law that will stand the test of time,” she said.
Umar affirmed that lawyers who did not adhere to the prescribed dress code for legal practitioners in the state would not be permitted to appear in court.
She said such disregard for professional decorum undermines the prestige and global respect that the legal profession commands.
In his speech, Governor Mohammed said the three arms of government have been working harmoniously without compromising their constitutional autonomy.
Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Auwal Jatau, said he always gives the two other arms of government the necessary support and cooperation, to ensure that they operate optimally.
