The Bauchi State High Court has wrapped up a significant series of 51 criminal trials, resulting in the conviction of 64 individuals for a wide range of serious crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and fraud.
Saleh Umar, the Information Officer for the Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission, shared these details on Monday, noting that the wave of judgments was delivered during the final months of 2025.
He clarified that these convictions were reached by strictly applying the relevant legal frameworks, such as the Penal Code and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, alongside the Bauchi State Penal Code of 2022.
In one of the most severe rulings mentioned by Umar, two men, Muhammad Maina and Yakubu Adamu, were sentenced to death by hanging after the court found conclusive evidence of their involvement in armed robbery.
Furthermore, seven other individuals were handed life sentences without any possibility of a fine for their roles in violent crimes including rape, conspiracy, and kidnapping.
This list of those facing life behind bars includes Shehu Isa, Adamu Adamu (popularly known as Nalele), Mohammed Bello, Kabiru Ahmed, Muhammad Jibrin (alias Al-Amin), Usman Bello (known as Maigamo), and Manu Umaru (also called Alhaji Manu).
On the financial crimes front, eleven people found guilty of fraud were sentenced to three months in jail with no option of a fine. This group includes Abubakar Shehu, Yusuf Aliyu Alhassan, Miracle Chidi, Dominic Lazarus, James Myaulompwa, Lawus Zakka, Sadiq Dosumo, Jude Titus, Joseph Olamide Adesunmila, Koche Samuel, and Falour Odinaka.
A variety of other offenders received prison terms ranging from a few months to a full decade, with some being offered the choice of fines between ₦10,000 and ₦500,000, based on the severity of their specific actions.
Umar emphasized that these conclusions were reached after prosecutors successfully presented evidence that met the high bar of being “beyond reasonable doubt.”
He noted that the presiding judges were clear in their intent: to ensure these punishments act as a strong warning to others, especially regarding kidnapping, which remains a pressing concern for the state’s security.
“The Bauchi State Judiciary remains resolute in its duty to ensure justice and to complement government efforts aimed at tackling crime and safeguarding the public,” the statement said.