Bauchi records 86 rapes cases, 75 homicide cases, 28 kidnapping cases, other criminal cases in 2024/2025 legal year

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

As the 2025/2026 Legal Year commences in Bauchi State, Ministry of Justice has declared that in the last legal year, it received case files of 86 cases of rape of minors, 28 kidnapping cases and 75 homicide cases.

The disclosure was made by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Hassan Usman El-Yaqub SAN, on Tuesday during the commencement of the 2025-2026 legal year ceremony.

According to him, “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.”

He added that, “We were served with motions for bails and other motions totalling about 256 and we received about 86 rape cases and 28 kidnapping cases.”

The Attorney-General further stated that, “In total, we received a total number of 592 criminal cases and out of this number, 97 have been disposed of, 15 were discharged through legal advice, 454 are pending.”

According to him, given the high volume of cases recorded, the Ministry developed strategies to fast-track prosecutions in line with the administration of criminal justice law that emphasised speedy trials by setting timelines of filing charges in court and proceeding.

While explained that the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed, approved the release of N7.8 million for the purchase of law and other practices books for the library and release of monthly funds to settle all outstanding judgement debts owed by the state government.

He appreciated the Governor for his benevolence, unwavering commitment and exceptional support for the Ministry of Justice in the state.

Earlier speaking, Justice Rabi Umar, the State’s Chief Judge, lamented the recurrent practice of arraigning suspects in court without proper preliminary investigations.

She added that 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 continue 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.

She, however, affirmed that any lawyer that didn’t adhere to the prescribed dress code for legal practitioners in the state would not be permitted to appear in court, adding that such a disregard for professional decorum undermined the prestige and global respect that the legal profession commands.

The Governor, while declaring the legal year, said that the three arms of government in the state had been working harmoniously and in synergy without compromising their constitutional autonomy.

Represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Auwal Jatau, Mohammed said that he has been giving the two other arms of government the necessary support and cooperation to ensure that they all operated optimally without any hindrance.

Governor stated that the State Government places high priority on justice sector reforms as part of its efforts to promote good governance and uphold the rule of law.

He noted that a functional and well-equipped judiciary is essential for maintaining peace, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring accountability in society.

According to him, the government would continue to invest in judicial infrastructure, training and enhance the welfare of judicial officers to strengthen public confidence in the system.

He added that the executive arm remains committed to deepening collaboration with the judiciary to fast-track ongoing reforms and address institutional challenges affecting justice delivery.

The annual legal celebration for High Court Judges, Khadis of the Sharia Courts, members of the Bar and the Bench as well as other Judicial workers in the State, serves as the commencement of new legal year.

At the end of the opening ceremony, a newly completed Magistrate Court Complex named after the Governor, was officially commissioned.