The Katsina State Government has taken steps to secure the release of about 70 suspected bandits standing trial as part of a peace deal with armed groups operating in parts of the state.
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The move became public after a confidential government letter surfaced.
The letter, dated January 2, 2026, was issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and sent to the Chief Judge of the state.
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It requested support from the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to enable the release of the suspects from detention.
The document revealed that 48 suspects facing banditry-related charges were listed by the Ministry of Internal Security and forwarded for release to sustain an existing peace agreement between frontline local governments and armed groups. Another list contained about 22 suspects already before different High Courts in the state.
LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT
Most of the suspects are currently in custody across Magistrate Courts, while a few are being tried at the Federal High Court. The Ministry argued that the committee has the legal backing under state law to act on the request.
The revelation has triggered concern among lawyers and civil society groups, who fear the move could weaken justice and public trust. The state government has yet to explain the safeguards guiding the plan or whether victims were consulted, adding to national debate over peace deals with criminal groups.
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