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Bauchi Chief Judge worries over rising cases of witchcraft

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2025

Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar

Bauchi Chief Judge worries over rising cases of witchcraft

The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has raised alarm over the increasing number of cases involving witchcraft, describing it as a persistent challenge in legal jurisprudence.

She stated this this while reviewing the cases of awaiting trial inmates at Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre during a two-day quarterly routine visit by the Administration of Justice Committee, which she chairs.

Justice Rabi said, “If you are not a witch, you cannot identify one. It is an issue that is difficult to prove unless the accused confesses.”

The Administration of Justice Committee includes key legal and security officials such as the State Controller of Custodial Centres, the State Grand Khadi, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecution, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Bauchi.

During the visit, the Chief Judge cautioned judges and magistrates against imposing excessive compensation on convicts, especially in cases where fines are an option.

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She noted that high compensation fees often prolong the convicts’ stay in correctional facilities.

“Moving forward, any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a convict will be required to pay or settle it themselves,” she warned.

Justice Rabi criticised the imposition of hefty compensation amounts such as N100,000, N200,000, or even N300,000, arguing that it encourages criminal behaviour.

She urged judges 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 explained.

She emphasised the need for reasonability when determining compensation, adding that it is nearly impossible for a victim to recover stolen or lost property fully.

“When sentencing a convict, consider the punishment they have already served. If they have been imprisoned for two or three 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, she ordered the release of 18 inmates awaiting trial-seven from Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, seven from Bauchi Custodial Centre, three from Ningi Correctional Centre, and one from Misau Correctional Centre.

Addressing those released, 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.”

She urged them to learn from their experience and reintegrate into society as responsible individuals, advising them to acquire skills for self-reliance.

Bauchi Chief Judge worries over rising cases of witchcraft

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Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Mecca Trip, Demands Daily Photo, Video Proof

Published

5 hours ago

October 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Mecca Trip, Demands Daily Photo, Video Proof

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide daily, verifiable photographic and video evidence of his presence in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his announced Umrah pilgrimage, questioning whether the trip could include an unannounced visit to France.

Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.

The opposition leader alleged that information available to him suggested Tinubu might make a brief appearance in Makkah before travelling to France. However, he did not publicly provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Atiku called on the Presidency to release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing Tinubu at the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and participating in the religious rites associated with Umrah.

He argued that Nigerians deserved verifiable information about the President’s whereabouts, daily engagements and the purpose of the trip, particularly because the journey had been presented as an opportunity to pray for the country.

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Atiku also raised questions about the President’s health and a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner, urging the Presidency to clarify the issues and disclose Tinubu’s full itinerary.

The former Vice-President said he and other Nigerians would join the President in praying for the country’s peace and progress. He, however, cautioned against invoking religion without sincerity.

“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” Atiku said, according to the statement.

He maintained that a presidential trip presented as a spiritual mission for Nigeria was a matter of public interest, adding that citizens were entitled to know the President’s official engagements and how the journey was being funded.

The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Thursday, October 29, for Makkah to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said the visit would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

According to the announcement, the President was expected to return to Nigeria the following week after completing the pilgrimage.

The Presidency’s announcement identified Makkah as the destination for the religious exercise. As of the latest reports, Atiku’s allegation of a possible onward journey to France had not been independently verified.

The dispute comes amid heightened political scrutiny as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, with opposition figures increasingly questioning the administration’s decisions, public spending and transparency.

Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Mecca Trip, Demands Daily Photo, Video Proof

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Yobe Court Jails 20-Year-Old Man Seven Years for Sex with 16-Year-Old Girl

Published

5 hours ago

October 29, 2026

Trends Admin

Dauda Umaru

Yobe Court Jails 20-Year-Old Man Seven Years for Sex with 16-Year-Old Girl

A Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State, has sentenced a 20-year-old man, Dauda Umaru, to seven years’ imprisonment for procuring and having sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old girl.

The court, presided over by Justice Aisha Y. Salihu of Court 2, also ordered Umaru to pay ₦1 million into the Victim Trust Fund Account and an additional ₦500,000 as compensation to the victim.

The conviction was secured by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) under Section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, as amended.

According to NAPTIP, the court warned that failure to pay the stipulated amount would attract an additional seven months’ imprisonment.

Umaru was arraigned on July 13, 2026, and convicted on October 27, 2026, following the prosecution of the case.

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The judgment highlights the legal consequences of sexual exploitation involving minors and the role of NAPTIP in investigating and prosecuting trafficking-related offences.

The case also draws attention to the need to protect children from sexual exploitation and ensure that offenders are brought before the courts.

In a related case reported earlier in October, a Borno State High Court in Maiduguri sentenced a 37-year-old woman, Fatima Sanda, to two years’ imprisonment for procuring a 16-year-old girl for sexual exploitation. The court also ordered her to pay ₦500,000 in compensation to the victim.

Both cases were prosecuted under the same anti-trafficking law, which criminalises the procurement of persons for sexual exploitation.

Yobe Court Jails 20-Year-Old Man Seven Years for Sex with 16-Year-Old Girl

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Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Seeks Allah’s Blessings for Nigeria

Published

16 hours ago

October 28, 2026

Trends Admin

Tinubu Heads to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, Seeks Allah’s Blessings for Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday to perform Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage, and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

The planned trip was announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the announcement, Tinubu will use the spiritual journey to seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens as the country continues to grapple with economic and security challenges.

Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar.

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Before departing Abuja, the President is expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to support its operations. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise in Saudi Arabia.

The planned visit comes as his administration continues to pursue economic reforms and address security concerns across the country.

The Presidency said the pilgrimage would provide the President with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion, including prayers for Nigeria’s continued peace, unity and development.

The announcement did not provide further details about the President’s travel delegation or the precise date of his return.