The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has disciplined eight judiciary staff members following allegations of misconduct.
The disciplinary actions, which range from suspensions to compulsory retirement, were revealed in a statement by the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Ibrahim, on Sunday.
According to Ibrahim, the measures were based on findings from the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC). He noted, “The commission adopted the JPCC’s recommendation, noting that Nasir Ado’s actions constitute gross misconduct.
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Accordingly, he has been recalled from judicial duties.” Magistrate Nasir Ado was recalled from duty after the JPCC discovered that he conducted court sessions without proper record-keeping and later falsified the records.
Sharia court judge Yusuf Kawu also faced serious consequences. The commission found that Kawu had abused his authority by releasing a convicted criminal sentenced to a year in prison without an option of a fine. “The commission found the actions of Alkali Yusuf Kawu to be unlawful, and his defence was deemed untenable. Consequently, he is recalled from judicial functions indefinitely,” Ibrahim explained.
Magistrate Sanusi Atana was issued a warning for exceeding his jurisdictional authority. Ibrahim noted, “The commission issued a strong warning to Sanusi Atana, instructing him to desist from exceeding his jurisdictional limits. He was found to have assumed the role of recovery of premises in a criminal trial and granted bail to a suspect before the designated ruling date without notifying the prosecution.”
The Finance Registrar of Kiru Sharia Court, Salisu Nayola, was ordered into compulsory retirement after being found guilty of soliciting bribes from families processing inheritance entitlements. Ibrahim revealed, “It was confirmed that Salisu Nayola colluded with Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu in collecting bribes. The commission has directed Nayola’s immediate compulsory retirement, while Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu has been recalled from judicial duties for two years.”
Further action was taken against Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi of the Sharia Court in Takai, who was cautioned for handling cases beyond his jurisdiction. Ibrahim remarked, “The commission endorsed the JPCC’s recommendation, warning the judge to strictly adhere to his territorial limits.”
Additionally, a court messenger, Shuaibu Bello, faced suspension for four months without pay due to corrupt practices. Ibrahim noted, “The commission endorsed the JPCC’s recommendation and issued a strong warning. Bello has been suspended for four months without pay.”
Ibrahim concluded that these disciplinary actions underscore the JSC’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the Kano State Judiciary, stating, “These decisions send a clear message: misconduct will not be tolerated. Every judiciary staff member is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards.”
