The Bauchi State Government has recorded 75 homicide cases, 28 kidnapping cases, 91 robbery cases, and other offences in its crime statistics for the 2024–2025 legal year, highlighting notable figures across major criminal categories.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, presented the breakdown on Tuesday during the opening of the 2025–2026 legal year in Bauchi.
El-Yakub reported increases in several categories, noting that from January to date, the ministry handled 91 robbery cases, compared to 83 in the previous year, alongside 75 homicide cases.
He stated, “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 further disclosed, “We were served with motions for bail and other motions totalling about 256, and we received about 86 rape cases and 28 kidnapping cases.”
Summing up the criminal matters recorded so far, he revealed that the ministry received 592 cases in total. Of these, 97 have been concluded, 15 were discharged based on legal advice, while 454 remain pending.
The commissioner added that the ministry has introduced new methods to accelerate prosecutions, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which prioritises timely trials. These include setting specific deadlines for filing charges and advancing proceedings.
El-Yakub also announced that Governor Bala Mohammed approved N7.8 million for the purchase of updated law and practice books for the ministry’s library, as well as monthly releases dedicated to settling judgment debts owed by the state. He thanked the governor for what he described as consistent and exceptional support.
At the event, the state Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Umar, expressed concern over the recurring practice of charging suspects without thorough preliminary investigations.
She criticised the delays resulting from evidence collection beginning only after trials have started, saying, “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 contribute to the overwhelming backlog of cases and erode public confidence in the justice system.”
Justice Umar also revealed that a committee has been established to review the state’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law and develop a more effective version. She further warned lawyers to adhere to the mandatory dress code, stating that violators would not be allowed to appear in court, as non-compliance diminishes the image of the legal profession.
Representing Governor Bala Mohammed, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau reaffirmed the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government in Bauchi. He assured that the administration would continue to provide full support to the judiciary and legislature to ensure they perform their duties efficiently.
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