Bauchi State’s Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has raised alarm over the rising number of witchcraft cases, calling it a persistent challenge for the judiciary.
During a two-day quarterly review at Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, where she chaired the Administration of Justice Committee, Justice Rabi highlighted the difficulty in proving witchcraft allegations without the accused’s confession, stating, “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one.”
She cautioned judges and magistrates against imposing excessive compensation on convicts in such cases, arguing that high fines can lead to prolonged incarceration and may even encourage reoffending once released.
Justice Rabi warned that any judge imposing unreasonable sums—sometimes as high as N300,000—might be held accountable personally.
The committee, which includes key legal and security officials, is reviewing pending cases with the aim of ensuring that compensation remains fair and balanced.
Additionally, she ordered the unconditional release of 18 awaiting-trial inmates, urging them to use this second chance to reintegrate responsibly into society. Her remarks call for a judicial recalibration that maintains both justice and mercy while addressing a growing and complex legal issue.
