By Gwurld4026 
Rising Witchcraft Allegations Concern Bauchi Chief Judge
Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, has expressed concern over the increasing number of witchcraft-related cases in the state’s judicial system. During a two-day review of awaiting trial cases at the Jama’are Maximum Correctional Centre, she highlighted the challenges these cases present, noting that proving such allegations is difficult without a confession from the accused.
She stated, “If you are not a witch, you cannot know who is a witch. It is an issue that could hardly be established unless the witch confesses to be one.”
Justice Umar also cautioned judges and magistrates against imposing excessive compensation on convicts, especially in cases where fines are an alternative to imprisonment. She emphasized that high compensation fees often prolong inmates’ stay in correctional facilities, hindering their reintegration into society.
She warned judicial officers that moving forward, “any judge who imposes unreasonable compensation on a convict will be required to pay or settle it themselves.”