NIGERIA: BAUCHI COURT CONVICTS KIDNAPPERS, OTHERS TO DEATH, LIFE IMPRISONMENT

March 6, 2026:

The Bauchi State High Courts have disposed of 51 criminal cases, resulting in the conviction of 64 offenders for various offences, including armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, conspiracy, culpable homicide and fraud.
The Information Officer of the Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission, Saleh Umar, disclosed this in a statement made available to Arewa PUNCH on February 19, 2026, noting that the judgments were delivered during the last quarter of 2025.
According to him, the offences adjudicated upon were punishable under relevant provisions of the Penal Code, the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, and the Bauchi State Penal Code, 2022.
Umar stated that two convicts, Muhammad Maina and Yakubu Adamu, were sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of armed robbery.
He further explained that seven defendants convicted for offences, including rape, conspiracy, robbery, culpable homicide and kidnapping, were sentenced to life imprisonment without an option of fine.
The commission’s spokesperson added that 11 persons convicted for fraud-related offences were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
Umar noted that other convicts received varying terms of imprisonment ranging from three months to ten years, with some given options of fine.
“The fines imposed ranged from N10,000 to N500,000, depending on the severity of the offences,” the statement further read.
He said the judgments followed the conclusion of trials in which the courts found the defendants guilty based on evidence presented by prosecutors.
The statement added that the courts, in their rulings, emphasised the need for strict penalties to deter criminal activities, particularly kidnapping, which was described as a persistent security threat in the state.
“The Bauchi State Judiciary remains committed to upholding justice and supporting government efforts to curb crime and enhance public safety,” Umar emphasised.