The Bauchi State Ministry of Justice said it secured 191 convictions against armed robbery between January and September as part of efforts to deter criminal activities across the state.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Bauchi.

Mr El-Yakub stated that during the period under review, the ministry handled 1,545 bills and 88 agreements, including those related to farmer-herder conflicts and gender-based violence.

According to him, 317 murder cases, 271 rape cases, 425 armed robbery cases, and 111 kidnapping cases were recorded.

Mr El-Yakub stated that 51 individuals were convicted of rape, while 42 were convicted of kidnapping.

He said, “In addition to the 191 armed robbery convictions, others were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.’’

The attorney general noted that over ₦3 billion was saved for the state by successfully defending cases filed against the government.

On efforts to address congestion in correctional facilities, Mr El-Yakub said the ministry conducts quarterly reviews of cases, after which recommendations were made to the governor.

He stated, “This process often results in amnesty for deserving inmates, while the state has also implemented non-custodial sentencing to further decongest prisons.’’

He, however, pointed out challenges such as delays in trials and the unwillingness of witnesses to testify, which sometimes leads to suspects being discharged for lack of evidence.

Mr El-Yakub reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering justice fairly and efficiently.

He emphasised that the convictions and reforms were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and ensure public safety in the state.

(NAN)