The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken action against eight members of the judiciary for alleged misconduct. In a statement released on Sunday, spokesperson Baba Jibo-Ibrahim revealed that petitions concerning the affected individuals were reviewed during the JSC’s 76th meeting on November 4.
The officers were found guilty of serious offenses, including forgery, accepting bribes, and handling cases outside their jurisdiction.
Among those sanctioned is Nasir Ado, a magistrate who conducted court proceedings without maintaining an official record. When questioned, he reportedly “falsified and altered the records” to suggest that the proceedings had been properly documented. As a result, Ado has been recalled from his duties as per the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) recommendation.
Yusuf Kawu, a sharia court judge, misused his position to facilitate the release of a convict who had previously been sentenced by another judge. The commission deemed his actions unlawful and his defense unacceptable, leading to his indefinite recall from judicial functions.
Additionally, Salisu Nayola, the finance registrar of Kiru sharia court, faces compulsory retirement after a JPCC investigation confirmed he accepted bribes to process inheritance claims. Nayola reportedly collaborated with Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, who has also been recalled from judicial duties for two years and placed under the supervision of the chief registrar.
The commission issued a warning to Sanusi Atana, a magistrate, following two petitions against him. He allegedly took on the role of recovery of premises in a criminal trial and granted bail to a suspect before the scheduled ruling date, without informing the prosecution.
Alkali Abdullahi, a judge at Takai sharia court, received a warning for handling cases beyond his jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Shuaibu Bello, a court messenger, was found guilty of corruption for collecting excessive fees for file openings. The committee also noted his unbecoming conduct, rudeness to a court user, and deception of a petitioner into signing a withdrawal letter. Consequently, Bello has been suspended without pay for four months.
Lastly, Shamsu Abbas, a court registrar, has been mandated to retire compulsorily for releasing a suspect on bail in a case that had not been assigned to any court.
