Katsina set to free detained bandits

The Katsina State Government has defended plans to secure the release of 70 persons suspected to be involved in banditry, saying the move is part of an ongoing peace agreement with armed groups operating across the state.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision was aimed at consolidating peace accords reached between affected communities and what he described as “repentant bandits” in several local government areas.

Muazu spoke during an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, following reports of a leaked government letter seeking judicial intervention to facilitate the release of suspects currently facing criminal prosecution.

According to him, the peace arrangement involved no fewer than 15 local government areas and had already led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons from captivity.

“The release of these suspects is similar to what happens during wartime, where warring parties exchange prisoners,” the commissioner said.

The controversy followed the circulation of a letter dated January 2 and marked “SECRET,” reportedly issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge.

The letter requested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of detained suspects as part of the peace deal.

Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the document stated that a list of 48 suspects accused of banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

It added that the proposed release was one of the conditions for sustaining the peace accord reached between frontline local government areas and armed groups.

While some of the suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, the letter noted that most were still awaiting trial at various magistrates’ courts across the state.

A separate list of about 22 inmates standing trial before different high courts in Katsina was also submitted for possible release under the same arrangement.

Muazu said the peace deal had already produced measurable outcomes, particularly the release of abducted persons across several communities.

He listed figures from different local government areas, including Sabuwa (310), Bakori (125), Danmusa (60), Dutsinma (62), and Safana (36).

“World over, after wars are fought, there are usually prisoner exchanges,” he said.

The commissioner cited Nigeria’s civil war and previous negotiations with Boko Haram as precedents, insisting that releasing detainees as part of peace negotiations was not new.

“The issue is not whether an offence was committed or not, but ensuring peace,” Muazu said.

He maintained that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the courts were within the law, adding that legal channels remain open for anyone seeking clarification or redress.