Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has inaugurated an inter-agency committee to review legal procedures and improve coordination among the judiciary, police, and prosecution services in the state.

The committee, chaired by the State Chief Judge and the Grand Khadi, also includes the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Bello Abdulkadir Fanini, among other key stakeholders. Its primary mandate is to develop a strategic framework for the timely dispensation of justice and the decongestion of correctional facilities across the state.

Key terms of reference for the committee include recruitment and training of legal personnel, fast-tracking of pending cases, and overall judicial reforms to ensure more efficient case management.

Speaking at a press briefing in Dutse, Barr. Fanini expressed serious concern over the recent trend of criminal cases being struck out or dismissed.

He revealed that within two weeks, three high-profile criminal cases — including rape and armed robbery — were struck out, with one suspect discharged and acquitted.

Fanini blamed the situation on prosecutorial challenges, especially the failure of key witnesses to testify. He cited a rape case involving a 14-year-old victim, in which the complainant declined to appear in court due to societal stigma.

He also decried the granting of bail to high-risk suspects, who later absconded and could not be re-arrested before the five-adjournment limit imposed by the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJA).

While acknowledging that bail is a constitutional right, Fanini stressed that it must be applied judiciously, particularly in serious criminal cases.

The committee has been given three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations.

Fanini appealed to the public to end the stigmatisation of rape victims, warning that such attitudes only embolden perpetrators and hinder the course of justice.