Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has granted freedom to 31 Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) from Bauchi Custodial Centre and other correctional services across the state.
As part of her routine quarterly ATP review of cases under the State Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, Justice Rabi emphasized the importance of good conduct upon their release. She encouraged the newly freed individuals to set a positive example in society.
The breakdown of the correctional service releases showed that 14 persons were set free from the Bauchi Custodial Center, while 10, 5, and 2 were respectively released from Tafawa Balewa, Ningi, and Misau centers.
During her visit to the Katagum Correctional Service in Zaki LGA, Justice Rabi expressed dismay at seeing numerous young and energetic youths languishing in jail due to civil and criminal offenses. She urged the youth in the state to avoid divisive tendencies and the pursuit of quick riches, which often lead to incarceration, reminding them that life should not be rushed.
Rabi also called on parents and guardians to play an active role in the proper upbringing of their children, who are the leaders of tomorrow. She encouraged involving them in skill acquisition and other profitable ventures to secure a livelihood.
While the Chief Judge praised the release of ATPs, she expressed concern about the inadequate documentation of case files by the police. She urged prosecutors to be more diligent in their duties.
Furthermore, she raised alarm over delayed case files at the Ministry of Justice, stressing that justice delayed is justice denied.
