By Myke Uzendu
The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Abubakar Danladi, has dismissed reports claiming that 70 detained bandits were released in the state, describing the allegations and the public outrage that followed as unfounded.
Justice Danladi made the clarification on Thursday during an exclusive interview in Katsina, insisting that no bandit currently in detention has been freed. He said reports circulating in the public space suggesting otherwise were false and misleading.
The Chief Judge reaffirmed that the Katsina State Government has consistently maintained a firm stance against negotiating with bandits, stressing that there has been no policy shift on the issue.
According to him, some local communities, acting out of desperation due to persistent insecurity, independently initiated contacts and discussions with bandit groups without the authorisation or knowledge of the state government.
He explained that in the course of such engagements, the bandits reportedly demanded the release of detained suspects as part of their conditions, prompting the affected communities to approach the state government for intervention. However, he said the government declined to accede to such demands.
Justice Danladi noted that instead of yielding to the requests, the state sought legal guidance on how to manage the situation, which resulted in the recommendation and establishment of a victim–offender mediation committee. He said the committee was designed to ensure that any form of engagement remains within the confines of the law and adequately considers the rights and interests of victims.
“As I said earlier, some communities entered agreements with bandits out of desperation. Judges are guided strictly by law; sympathy cannot replace proof,” he said.
The Chief Judge further explained that during the height of banditry in the state, security agencies arrested numerous suspects. While some of those arrested have since been tried, convicted, and sentenced by the courts, others are still undergoing trial.
He stressed that convicted persons cannot be released without following due legal process, noting that each category of cases is governed by specific legal provisions.
“As I am speaking with you now, no bandit has been released; they are all undergoing legal processes, so the noise about them is unwarranted,” Justice Danladi stated.
His remarks come amid widespread reactions from opposition political parties, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and other stakeholders in Katsina State, following reports of a letter allegedly written by the state Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge concerning legal procedures for detained suspects.
The Chief Judge maintained that the judiciary remains committed to the rule of law and due process, assuring the public that the courts would not act outside their constitutional mandate in handling cases related to banditry and insecurity in the state.
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