Katsina State Chief Judge, Musa Abubakar Danladi, has denied claims that 70 detained bandits were released in exchange for peace, describing the reports as “unwarranted and baseless.”
In an exclusive interview with The Nation in Katsina, Justice Danladi clarified that no bandit has been freed under any arrangement orchestrated by the state government.
The state has recently been awash with rumours alleging that negotiations took place between the Katsina State Government and bandits to secure the release of detained suspects. The Chief Judge dismissed such reports as false.
“It is not true. The government has consistently stated that it will not negotiate with bandits and remains firm in that position,” he said.
Justice Danladi explained that some local communities, acting independently and without government approval, engaged in negotiations with bandits out of desperation.
“These communities, on their own, entered talks with bandits, who then demanded the release of their detained colleagues as part of the arrangement,” he said.
According to the Chief Judge, the communities later approached the state government seeking intervention to release the suspects, a request that was firmly rejected.
“The government refused and instead sought judicial advice,” Justice Danladi added.
He noted that a victim-offender mediation committee has since been recommended and established, with ongoing discussions conducted in accordance with the law and in consideration of victims’ rights.
“Judges are guided by the law; sympathy alone cannot replace legal proof,” he said.
Justice Danladi further highlighted that legality remains paramount, stressing that during the height of banditry in Katsina, many suspects were apprehended—some convicted and sentenced, while others await trial.
“Convicted persons cannot be released arbitrarily. Each category of detainees has a defined legal standing,” he explained.
The Chief Judge reiterated that, to date, no bandit has been released and all are subject to due legal process.
“As I speak, no bandit has been freed. The rumours circulating are therefore unfounded,” he concluded.
The clarification comes after several opposition parties, community leaders, and the Arewa Consultative Forum reacted to reports about an alleged letter from the Katsina State Ministry of Justice purportedly sent to the Chief Judge.
