The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed three judicial officers for misconduct, advised three Shari’a Court judges to resign, and reprimanded two magistrates for dereliction of duty.
In a statement released on Sunday, Abbas Wangara, the Director of Protocol and Publicity at the Jigawa State Judiciary, confirmed that these decisions were made during the JSC’s 178th meeting, held on January 7.
The meeting, chaired by the JSC Secretary, Auwalu Dan’Azumi, reviewed multiple cases of violations against judicial procedures.
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Wangara explained, “These disciplinary actions were taken to uphold judicial integrity and ensure adherence to the rule of law.”
Dismissals for Misconduct
Two registrars, Iyal Ibrahim (Higher Registrar, Grade Level 08) and Baffa Alhaji (Principal Registrar, Grade Level 14), were dismissed for illegally selling two vehicles that were exhibits from the Federal High Court in Dutse.
“Their actions constitute official misconduct under Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service 2006,” Wangara said. Their dismissals were in accordance with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. J20 Laws of Jigawa State, 2012.
Additionally, Chief Clerical Officer Abdu Aujara was dismissed for misappropriating ₦965,000, a litigant’s deposit in a case involving Ja’iz Bank at the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Jahun. “The commission found him guilty and terminated his appointment in line with the same law,” Wangara stated.
Shari’a Court Judges Advised to Resign
The JSC reviewed complaints against several Shari’a Court judges:
Adamu Farin-Dutse: Found guilty of abusing judicial powers and misapplying the law. Despite prior warnings, his conduct persisted, leading the commission to advise his resignation within two weeks.
Muhammad Usman: Issued a writ of possession before delivering judgment, violating judicial procedures. The commission also recommended his resignation under Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law.
Usman Zubair: Mishandled inheritance cases by involving non-parties in the distribution of shares. He, too, was advised to resign within two weeks.
Reprimands for Magistrates
Two magistrates received warnings for misconduct:
Munnir Abdullahi: Warned for improperly converting a civil matter into a criminal case and displaying partisanship.
Yakubu Ibrahim: Cautioned for using derogatory language against a litigant at the Chief Magistrate Court in Maigatari.
“These warnings aim to enforce discipline and professionalism within the judiciary,” Wangara said.
The JSC emphasized its dedication to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and eradicating corruption in the judiciary.
“This disciplinary exercise reflects the commission’s commitment to ensuring a corrupt-free judiciary and upholding public confidence in the judicial system,” Wangara concluded.
