Bauchi State Ministry of Justice has released alarming crime statistics indicating that 75 homicide cases, 28 kidnappings, and 86 sexual assault incidents were recorded in the state between December 2024 and December 2025.
Speaking at the end of the 2025 legal year, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan Usman (SAN), revealed that the ministry handled 592 criminal cases within the period under review.
“From January to date, we received 91 robbery cases, compared to 83 last year. We also recorded 75 homicide cases, 86 rape cases, and 28 kidnap cases. In addition, we were served with 256 motions for bail and other applications,” he said.
Usman explained that 97 cases have been concluded, 15 were discharged through legal advice, while 454 remain pending.
He noted that the ministry has introduced new strategies to accelerate prosecutions in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which mandates timely filing of charges and strict adherence to trial timelines.
The Attorney General also thanked Governor Bala Mohammed for approving N7.8 million for the purchase of law books and other essential materials for the ministry’s library, as well as the release of monthly funds to settle outstanding judgment debts.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Umar, expressed concern over the habitual arraignment of suspects without proper preliminary investigations.
She said many prosecutors only begin gathering evidence after trials commence, a practice she described as “backward” and detrimental to justice delivery.
“This approach contributes to the massive backlog of cases in our courts and erodes public confidence in the justice system. It is unacceptable that such practices continue in 2025,” she said, adding that a committee has been set up to review and update the state’s criminal justice law.
Justice Umar also warned that lawyers who fail to comply with the approved dress code would no longer be allowed to appear in court, noting that disregard for professional ethics diminishes the dignity of the legal profession.
In his remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, reaffirmed the harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government in the state.
He assured that his administration would continue to support the judiciary and legislature to ensure effective and independent governance.
75 killed, 28 kidnapped, 86 sexually abused in Bauchi — Justice Ministry
