The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has granted freedom to 6 awaiting trial inmates from correctional facilities over Ill-health, Prolonged Cells Stay, even as she warned youths to always avoid crimes
The chief judge spoke during her routine quarterly review cases visit to various correctional centres across the state released four and two awaiting trial inmates at the Bauchi custodial centre and Ningi correctional Centre respectively.
The Bauchi Chief Judge placed five other awaiting trials on bail application, pending the presentation to her of their case diaries, following their ill-health, coupled with old age.
Three of the bailable awaiting trials who are languishing in the cells from three and a half years and above were never prosecuted before a Court of Law, as their ages ranges between 67, 68 and 71 years.
Rimawaglobalnews reports that the purpose of the visit was to free inmates awaiting trials to speed up the dispensation of justice and reduce congestion in the centres.
The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has warned chief magistrates and Shari’a Court judges to refrain from unnecessary remand of debtors in correctional centres in the bid to recover debts
According to the chief judge, disputes on debts and marriages can be resolved through mediation and exploring avenues for amicable settlement.
She added that such action is retrogressive and not a solution to the problem.
She further warned the judges and magistrates not to allow their courts to be stepping stones for litigants to intimidate debtors.
“Don’t use your good offices to abuse the powers given to you. Are you supposed to keep a person, especially a female, in a correctional centre for just N30,000? You caused a reprimand of your debtor and at the same time you want your debt to be recovered. What magic do you want your debtor to do, who is under detention in a correctional centre,” the CJ regretted.
“If you cause the remand of a debtor, you are responsible for feeding him or her while in the correctional centre no matter how long he or she stays because government cannot shoulder that responsibility at your instance, so I’m reminding correctional centre officials about this responsibility,” the chief judge added.
She urged the youth to avoid divisive actions and the pursuit of quick riches, encouraging them to take life at a steady pace.
Justice Rabi, however, called upon parents and guardians to nurture their children’s skills and engage them in profitable activities, ensuring a better future for the next generation.
Justice Rabi Umar has during the quarterly routine exercise also visited Darazo, Misau, Azare and Jama'are and Ningi Correctional Centres.
The committee which membership comprises officials of the Bauchi custodial centre, Court Inspectorate, Police, Sharia Khadis, State Counsels, and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
In his remarks, the Bauchi court Inspector Alh. Bala Inusa, commended the Chief Judge for carrying out the exercise adding that it will go a long way in decongesting Prisons in the State.
