Judicial Misconduct: Kano State Takes Action Against Magistrates, Registrar
In a decisive move aimed at upholding judicial integrity, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against three magistrates and a registrar of the state High Court over serious misconduct allegations.
The decision, announced by Mr. Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, follows a thorough investigation and deliberation at the Commission’s recent meetings.
Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir, and Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir were the subjects of investigations.
Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama has been suspended from the bench and relieved of all judicial duties with immediate effect.
The investigation found her guilty of misconduct, including ordering a bank to transfer money from a frozen account into her personal account, which she admitted to in her response to the allegations.
Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir has been suspended from judicial duties for one calendar year due to judicial recklessness observed in her conduct at Magistrate Court No. 48.
Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir received a strong warning and faces a deferred promotion for one year. He diverted court fees into his personal account.
Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir has also been suspended from judicial duties for one year for unsatisfactory responses to queries regarding his conduct.
These disciplinary actions underscore the Kano State Judicial Service Commission’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of judicial conduct and ensuring the integrity of the legal system. The Commission emphasised its dedication to upholding accountability and safeguarding the public’s trust in the judiciary.
The Commission’s decisions were made in accordance with its mandate to apply appropriate sanctions against any staff found to be engaging in misconduct, particularly those entrusted with judicial responsibilities.
The goal is to preserve the credibility of the judicial system and uphold public confidence in the administration of justice.
