Bauchi Chief Judge Frees 18 Inmates, Cautions Judges, Magistrates On Imposition Of Compensation On Convicts
By George Coben, Bauchi
Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has cautioned Judges and Magistrates against imposing excessive compensation on convicts, particularly in cases where fines are optional.
Justice Umar gave the charge while reviewing the cases of awaiting trial inmates at Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre during a 2-day quarterly routine visit by the Administration of Justice Committee, which she Chairs.
The CJ noted that high compensation fees often prolong the Convicts’ stay in correctional facilities and criticized such occurrences which she said attracts as much as from between N100,000 to N300,000, arguing that it encourages criminal behavior
She warned that any Judges found wanting would be required to pay or settle the amount themselves.
Justice Umar urged them to ensure that compensation is fair while maintaining a balance between justice and mercy.
“I am troubled by the trend of excessive compensation imposed by Judges. Where do you expect a convict to get such large sums?. If they cannot pay they may resort to crime again upon release just to meet the court’s demands,” she stressed.
The CJ emphasized the need to be reasonable when determining compensation, adding that it is nearly impossible for a victim to fully recover stolen or lost property.
“When sentencing convicts, consider the punishment they have already served. If they have been imprisoned for 2 or 3 years, requiring them to repay the full value of stolen items could be unfair. The other party may have to forfeit something as well,” she added.
During the review exercise, Justice Umar ordered the release of 18 Inmates awaiting trial; 7 from Jema’are on bail, 7 from Bauchi, 3 from Ningi, and 1 from Misau Maximum, Custodial, and Correctional Centres, respectively.
Addressing those released from Bauchi Custodial Centre, she remarked, ” You have been in custody for too long without being charged or taken to court. Even if convicted your sentence would not have exceeded the time already spent here. That is why this Committee has decided to release you unconditionally,”.
Justice Umar urged them to learn from their experience and reintegrate into the society as responsible individuals, advising them to acquire skills for self-reliance.
The inmates who were released over ill-health and prolonged stay in cell spent from between 3 years, 8 months to 5 years, 7 months, with ages ranging from between 60 to 75 years.
