by Nurat Uthman
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken decisive action against eight judiciary staff members over allegations of misconduct.
This was revealed by spokesman for the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Ibrahim.
The JSC’s actions range from suspensions and warnings to indefinite recalls from duty, following investigations by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC).
The disciplinary measures were particularly directed at Magistrate Nasir Ado, who faced two petitions.
The JPCC’s investigation concluded that Ado conducted court proceedings without recording them and later falsified records to show otherwise.
Ibrahim explained, “The commission adopted the JPCC’s recommendation, noting that Nasir Ado’s actions constitute gross misconduct. Accordingly, he has been recalled from judicial duties.”
Another case involved Sharia court judge Yusuf Kawu, who was found to have abused his authority by releasing a convicted criminal who was sentenced to a year without the option of a fine.
Ibrahim remarked, “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.”
Magistrate Sanusi Atana also faced scrutiny after being found to have overstepped his role.
Ibrahim shared, “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 JSC took an even more severe stance against the Finance Registrar of Kiru Sharia Court, Salisu Nayola, ordering his compulsory retirement.
Nayola was found guilty of soliciting bribes from families seeking to process inheritance entitlements.
Ibrahim stated, “It was confirmed that Salisu Nayola colluded with Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, who was complacent in the acts of 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 actions were taken against Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi of the Sharia Court, Takai, who was cautioned for exceeding his jurisdiction.
Ibrahim noted, “The commission endorsed the JPCC’s recommendation, warning the judge to strictly adhere to his territorial limits and avoid handling cases outside his designated jurisdiction.”
Additionally, Shuaibu Bello, a court messenger, was disciplined for corrupt practices, including collecting fees in excess of official amounts and being disrespectful to court users.
“The commission endorsed the JPCC’s recommendation and issued a strong warning. Bello has been suspended for four months without pay,” Ibrahim added.
These disciplinary actions underscore the JSC’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity within the Kano State Judiciary, according to Ibrahim.
“These decisions send a clear message: misconduct will not be tolerated. Every judiciary staff member is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards,” he emphasised.
