The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken firm action against eight judiciary staff members in response to allegations of misconduct.
This was disclosed by Baba Ibrahim, the spokesman for the Kano State Judiciary, in a statement issued on Sunday.
The JSC’s actions, which include suspensions, warnings, and indefinite recalls from duty, were based on findings from the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) investigation.
Among those targeted by the disciplinary actions is Magistrate Nasir Ado, who faced two separate petitions.
The JPCC’s investigation revealed that Ado had conducted court proceedings without proper documentation and subsequently falsified records to cover up the discrepancies.
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 a harsher stance against Salisu Nayola, the Finance Registrar of Kiru Sharia Court, by ordering his compulsory retirement.
Nayola was found guilty of soliciting bribes from families attempting to process inheritance claims.
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.