Bauchi Chief Judge Frees Varsity Student Jailed Over N34,000 Loan Repayment Failure
Ahmad Abubakar had borrowed the said amount from an individual in Azare with the intention of investing in rainfed farming. Unfortunately, his farming venture faced challenges when the rainfall ceased early, affecting a considerable number of farmers across the state.
AKACHI NOEL 
In a compassionate act of justice, the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatin Umar, has freed Ahmad Abubakar, a 300-level student of Bauchi State University (BASUG), Gadau. The student was apprehended by security operatives due to his failure to repay a N34,000 agricultural loan acquired for rainfed farming during the preceding rainy season.
Ahmad Abubakar had borrowed the said amount from an individual in Azare with the intention of investing in rainfed farming. Unfortunately, his farming venture faced challenges when the rainfall ceased early, affecting a considerable number of farmers across the state.
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Justice Rabi Talatin Umar learned about Ahmad's predicament during her routine visit to the Azare Correctional Centre, where she reviews cases of awaiting trial persons (ATPs). Despite the student's father being well-to-do with a thriving oil and gas business in the state, Ahmad spent a week in the correctional centre and missed two university examinations.
During the review, Justice Rabi Umar decided to intervene by offsetting Ahmad's N34,000 debt and subsequently setting him free. However, the student will carry over two examination papers at the university.
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The Chief Judge's act of kindness was not limited to Ahmad's case. During visits to correctional centres, including Darazo, Justice Umar released a total of 17 awaiting trial persons and granted bail to others. The released individuals were from various correctional centres, including Bauchi Custodial Centre, Darazo, Ningi, Jama’are, Ningi, and Misau.
In addition to addressing individual cases, Justice Umar summoned nine Sharia court judges to her office due to their absence during the review visit. The absenteeism of some Shari’a court judges during routine quarterly visits has been an ongoing concern, impacting the efficiency of case reviews and the administration of justice.
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Justice Umar emphasized the importance of good conduct for the released individuals upon rejoining society. She encouraged them to seek employment or acquire skills for livelihood.
The Chief Judge's intervention showcases the judiciary's commitment to fairness, compassion, and individualized consideration in the pursuit of justice.
