The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken strong disciplinary measures against eight judiciary staff members following allegations of misconduct. A statement released on Sunday by Baba Ibrahim, spokesman for the Kano State Judiciary, outlined the actions taken, which range from suspensions and warnings to indefinite recalls from duty.
The disciplinary measures followed investigations by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which uncovered several cases of misconduct. Among those targeted was Magistrate Nasir Ado, who faced two separate petitions. The JPCC’s investigation found that Ado had conducted court proceedings without recording them and later falsified records to make it appear as though they had been properly documented. As a result, the JSC adopted the JPCC’s recommendation and recalled Ado from judicial duties, citing gross misconduct.
Another high-profile case involved Sharia court judge Yusuf Kawu, who was found to have unlawfully released a convicted criminal who had been sentenced to a year in prison without the option of a fine. Ibrahim explained, “The commission found Yusuf Kawu’s actions to be unlawful, and his defence was deemed untenable. Consequently, he has been indefinitely recalled from his judicial functions.”
Magistrate Sanusi Atana was also subjected to scrutiny for overstepping his authority. The JSC issued a strong warning to Atana, instructing him to refrain from exceeding his jurisdictional limits. He had been found to have taken on the role of overseeing property recovery in a criminal trial and granting bail to a suspect before the designated ruling date, without notifying the prosecution.
The JSC took even more severe action against Salisu Nayola, the Finance Registrar of Kiru Sharia Court, who was found guilty of soliciting bribes from families seeking to process inheritance claims. Ibrahim confirmed that Nayola had colluded with Alkali Abdulmuminu Nuhu, who was also found to be complicit in the bribery scheme. Nayola was ordered to retire compulsorily, while Nuhu was recalled from judicial duties for a period of two years.
Further actions were taken against Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi of the Sharia Court in Takai, who was cautioned for exceeding his jurisdiction. The JSC upheld the JPCC’s recommendation, warning Abdullahi to strictly adhere to his territorial limits.
Additionally, Shuaibu Bello, a court messenger, was disciplined for corrupt practices, including collecting fees in excess of official amounts and exhibiting disrespectful behaviour toward court users. Bello was suspended for four months without pay, following the commission’s endorsement of the JPCC’s recommendation.
These actions reflect the JSC’s commitment to upholding high standards of integrity and accountability within the Kano State Judiciary, as stated by Ibrahim.
