Tunji Wusu –
Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, has directed the State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring and Coordination Committee to oversee the correct treatment of all criminal cases recorded in the state’s judiciary.
Governor Radda issued the decision while presiding over the four judges’ swearing-in ceremony at the Government House Chambers early this morning.
Nuraddeen Abdulmumini, Halima Lawal Bagiwa, Abdullahi Bara’u Faskari, and Maa’ruf Amiru Sanusi are the four justices sworn in by KATSINA Governor.
Governor Radda congratulated the freshly sworn-in judges, including Nuraddeen Abdulmumini, Halima Lawal Bagiwa, Abdullahi Bara’u Faskari, and Maa’ruf Amiru Sanusi. He emphasized their remarkable records of expertise, unshakable dedication, and unimpeachable integrity, which earned them appointment after a long and comprehensive selection process. The governor urged the judges to regard their appointments as a holy call to service, requiring unflinching dedication, professionalism, and adherence to their moral compass.
In response to the growing concern about suspects being released despite serious charges, Malam Radda, while affirming his commitment to the effective functioning of the state’s high court of justice, emphasized the critical need for vigilant case management within the state’s judicial system.
He also expressed deep concern about cases in which suspects, including bandits, terrorists, armed robbers, and rapists, were granted bail, emphasizing the negative consequences of such releases, which may have resulted in an increase in kidnappings, abductions, and the tragic loss of innocent lives.
Radda emphasized the significance of holding the legal profession accountable, adding that certain members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) appeared to be using the banner of fundamental human rights to advance their own agendas. He was adamant that these acts must not endanger the state’s unwavering pursuit of justice and security.
Meanwhile, the governor announced plans to change two key laws: the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of 2021 and the Katsina State Penal Code Law of the same year, in an effort to improve the efficiency of justice administration. These modifications are primarily intended to enhance harmonic collaboration among stakeholders in the justice sector, thereby accelerating the resolution of cases involving arrest, investigation, and prosecution.
Governor Radda also hinted at an upcoming revision of the Security Challenges Containment Order, with an emphasis on holding informants who aid and abet criminal activity accountable under the law. This crucial measure seeks to reduce support for banditry and related crimes.
