The Judicial Service Commission in Kano has taken disciplinary action against magistrates and registrars for misconduct.
The sanction was announced in a statement by Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, the JSC spokesperson.
The decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 82nd meeting held on Wednesday.
In line with its mandate to ensure discipline and integrity, the JSC adopted the recommendations of the investigation panel set up by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee, said the statement.
The JSC resolved to apply a series of disciplinary measures and administrative decisions.
“Court registrar Salisu Sule was demoted by one grade level after the JPCC found overwhelming evidence of misconduct in four separate complaints bordering on insults, intimidation, and abuse of office.
“The two reinstated magistrates are chief magistrate Mustapha Sa’ad-Datti and chief magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir,” said the statement.
An investigation by the JSC revealed that Mr Sule consistently used the name of the judiciary to harass and intimidate the public in the course of his duties.
“The JSC had issued a warning letter to him dated December 19, 2024, and has now resolved to impose this stiffer sanction, demoting him by one grade level with immediate effect,” the statement explained.
It added that after careful review, the JSC resolved that Messrs Sa’ad-Datti and Abdulkadir should resume sitting and continue their judicial duties.
“They are, however, admonished to uphold the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and professionalism in the discharge of their judicial functions,” stated the JSC.
Ahmad Aliyu Danmaraya, a principal registrar attached to the Kano High Court Headquarters, was directed to proceed on compulsory retirement with immediate effect for acts of gross misconduct.
“The JPCC found Danmaraya guilty of forging an affidavit, affixing the high court stamp and seal, and inscribing a fake receipt number, knowing fully well that he is not a commissioner for oaths,” said the statement.
JPCC also recalled Alkali Mustapha Kiru of the Sharia Court for a period of one year after the JSC found that he delivered a ruling to close a case due to the plaintiff’s failure to produce a witness in court.
“After closing the case, he issued a writ of possession in respect of the disputed farmland, which clearly violates the principles of fair hearing. Kiru imprisoned the petitioner off-record for three weeks for challenging the issuance of the writ of possession to the defendant,” the statement disclosed.
The statement said the JSC issued a warning to Alkali Nasiru Ahmad after the JPCC found him to be negligent in handling a case. It also cited his non-adherence to the practice and procedures in criminal matters, which could lead to a miscarriage of justice for the warning.
The JSC also issued a warning letter to senior magistrate Sakina Aminu regarding two cases for assigning a police prosecutor in her proceedings.
“Aminu is cautioned against acting contrary to the express directives of the chief judge or any superior officer to whom she reports,” said the statement. “She is further advised to maintain a cordial working relationship with state counsel posted to her court and to fully comply with the chief judge’s circular prohibiting the engagement of police prosecutors in handling cases before her court.”
The JSC reiterated its commitment to promoting accountability and professionalism within the judiciary and zero tolerance for misconduct.
