Two Nigerian Judges Sacked, Six Others Suspended Over Misconduct
Kano Judicial Service Commission Dismisses Two Judges, Suspends Six Court Staff for Misconduct.
The Kano Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken stern disciplinary actions, dismissing two judges and suspending six other court staff members due to various allegations of misconduct. These decisions come after thorough investigations into breaches of professional conduct within the judiciary.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 10, Baba Ibrahim, the spokesperson for the Kano Judicial Service Commission (JSC), confirmed the disciplinary measures following an in-depth probe into misconduct within the state’s judicial system. According to Ibrahim, the commission’s actions reflect its commitment to upholding the integrity and accountability of the judicial system in Kano State.
Among the most significant actions, Magistrate Nasir Ado was dismissed for failing to record court proceedings during sessions, a fundamental requirement in maintaining a transparent and credible judicial process. The JSC deemed Ado’s failure to follow proper procedure as a serious violation of judicial duties. Ibrahim explained, “The commission adopted the Judicial and Public Conduct Committee’s (JPCC) recommendation, noting that Nasir Ado’s actions were a clear case of gross misconduct. As a result, he has been recalled from judicial duties and dismissed from service.”
A second judicial officer, Sharia court judge Yusuf Kawu, was also dismissed after being found guilty of improperly releasing a convicted criminal. The JSC stated that Kawu bypassed established legal protocols, which allowed the convicted individual to be released without following the necessary procedures. This lapse was considered a serious breach of the trust and responsibility placed on judges.
In addition to the dismissals, the JSC imposed a series of penalties on other court staff involved in various misconducts. Magistrates Sanusi Atana and Alkali Abubakar Abdullahi were issued official warnings after they were found to have exceeded their legal authority. The commission emphasized that such actions can create confusion in the judicial process and lead to unjust rulings, undermining the fairness of the courts.
The disciplinary actions were not limited to judicial officers. Non-judicial staff were also held accountable for their conduct. Finance Registrar Salisu Nayola was forced into early retirement after being found guilty of soliciting bribes. Similarly, court messenger Shuaibu Bello received a four-month suspension without pay after being implicated in corrupt practices.
Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the commission, underscored the seriousness of these actions, stating that the commission remains dedicated to maintaining the rule of law and upholding the highest standards of integrity within Kano’s judiciary.
The recent dismissals and suspensions are part of the Kano Judicial Service Commission’s ongoing efforts to address corruption and misconduct within the judiciary. The commission’s swift action signals a strong commitment to maintaining transparency, ensuring fairness, and safeguarding the credibility of the judicial system in the state. As investigations continue, the JSC has vowed to take further action against any personnel found guilty of breaching judicial ethics.
