SUNTV Global Channel | January 9, 2026
A fresh controversy has erupted in Katsina State following the emergence of a classified government document revealing moves by the state government to secure the release of about 70 suspected bandits currently facing criminal trials, allegedly as part of a peace agreement.
The document, a letter dated January 2, 2026, and marked “SECRET,” was issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and addressed to the Chief Judge of Katsina State, seeking judicial intervention to facilitate the release of the suspects.
According to the letter, the Ministry requested the involvement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to help fast-track the release of the detainees.
The letter, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, Esq., disclosed that the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs forwarded a list of 48 suspects accused of various banditry-related offences to the Ministry of Justice.
The document stated that the planned release of the suspects was intended to serve as “one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace accord deal signed between frontline local governments and the bandits.”
It further revealed that while a few of the suspects have already been arraigned before the Federal High Court, many others are still being held in detention pending trial at Magistrate Courts across the state.
In addition, the Ministry disclosed that a separate list of about 22 inmates currently facing trial before different High Courts in Katsina State had also been submitted, with the aim of securing their release under the same peace arrangement.
The Ministry of Justice urged the Chief Judge to take “necessary action,” arguing that the request falls within the statutory powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021.
The revelation has sparked outrage and deep concern among legal practitioners, civil society organisations, and security analysts, who warn that freeing suspects accused of serious crimes such as banditry could undermine the rule of law, deny victims justice, and embolden criminal networks.
Critics argue that while peace initiatives are important, negotiating the release of suspects already in custody — some of whom are standing trial — raises grave constitutional, ethical, and security questions.
As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Government had not publicly clarified the legal safeguards guiding the proposed releases, nor explained whether victims of the alleged crimes were consulted as part of the peace process.
The development has intensified the national debate over the use of negotiated settlements with armed groups, especially amid Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
— Exclusive report by SUNTV Global Channel
