The Bauchi State Government says it recorded 75 homicide cases, 28 kidnapping cases and 86 rape cases in the 2024–2025 legal year.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, disclosed this on Tuesday at the commencement of the 2025–2026 legal year in Bauchi.
El-Yakub explained that from January to date, the Ministry received 91 robbery cases, compared to 83 recorded in the previous year, in addition to 75 homicide cases.
“In criminal cases from January to date, we received a total of 91 robbery cases, as against last year, which was 83, and we received 75 homicide cases.
“We were served with motions for bail and other motions totalling about 256, and we received about 86 rape cases and 28 kidnapping cases.
“In total, we received 592 criminal cases, and out of this number, 97 have been disposed of, 15 were discharged through legal advice, while 454 are pending,” he said.
He added that the ministry had developed new strategies to fast-track prosecutions in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which emphasises speedy trials, including setting timelines for filing charges and proceeding with cases.
The commissioner also revealed that Governor Bala Mohammed approved N7.8 million for the purchase of law and practice books for the ministry’s library, as well as monthly releases to settle judgment debts owed by the state.
He appreciated the governor for what he described as unwavering commitment and exceptional support to the Ministry of Justice.
Meanwhile, the state Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Umar, lamented the recurring practice where suspects are arraigned without proper preliminary investigations.
She said many cases suffer delays because evidence gathering often begins only after trials have commenced.
“This backward approach to criminal prosecution significantly delays the process and undermines the delivery of justice.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, we continue to see such practices, which contribute to the overwhelming backlog of cases and erode public confidence in the justice system,” she said.
Justice Umar added that a committee had been set up to review the state’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law and draft an improved version that would stand the test of time.
She also cautioned lawyers against disregarding the prescribed dress code for legal practitioners, warning that those who violate it would not be allowed to appear in court.
According to her, non-compliance undermines the prestige and global respect of the legal profession.
In his remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, said the three arms of government in the state had been working harmoniously without compromising their constitutional roles and that his administration would continue to support the judiciary and legislature to ensure optimal performance without hindrance.
The PUNCH
