1. Requests undergoing due process

No bandit has been released in exchange for peace in Katsina State, Chief Judge Musa Abubakar Danladi has said.

He dismissed claims that 70 bandits were released in the state and described the allegation that bandits were released in exchange for peace as “unwarranted and unfounded”.

Justice Danladi clarified in Katsina during an exclusive interview with The Nation, insisting that no detained bandit had been freed under any arrangement.

The state has been awash with reports alleging that the Katsina State Government negotiated with bandits for the release of 70 of their detained suspects.

The Chief Judge described the reports as false.

“It is not true. The state government has repeatedly made it clear that it will not negotiate with bandits, and it has remained resolute on that position,” he said.

Justice Danladi explained that it was some desperate communities, acting without the authorisation of the state government, that independently engaged bandits in negotiations.

“Some communities, out of desperation, entered into negotiations with bandits without the approval of the state government.

“In return, the bandits demanded the release of their detained colleagues as part of the exchange,” he said.

According to him, the communities subsequently approached the state government to intervene by seeking the release of the detained suspects, a request which the government firmly rejected.

“The government refused to oblige and instead sought judicial advice,” he added.

Justice Danladi explained that a victim-offender mediation committee had since been recommended and constituted, with discussions ongoing, stressing that such engagements must remain lawful and must take into account the interests of victims.

“As I said earlier, some communities entered into agreements with bandits out of desperation. Judges are strictly guided by the law; sympathy cannot replace proof,” he said.

The Chief Judge further explained that legality remained the overriding concern, noting that during the peak of banditry in the state, many suspects were arrested.

“Some have been convicted and sentenced, while others are still awaiting trial,” he said.

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He emphasised that convicted persons could not be released arbitrarily.

“The public must understand that convicted persons cannot simply be released without due process. Each category of detainees has its own legal position,” he added.

Justice Danladi insisted that as of now, no bandit had been released.

“As I am speaking with you now, no bandit has been released. They are all undergoing due legal processes. The noise surrounding the issue is therefore unwarranted,” he said.

Several opposition political parties, the Arewa Consultative Forum, community leaders, and other stakeholders in Katsina had earlier reacted to reports surrounding an alleged leaked letter purportedly issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge.