The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed three judicial officers and imposed disciplinary measures on others for misconduct and violations of judicial procedures.
The decision was reached during the commission’s 178th meeting on January 7, as stated by Abbas Wangara, Director of Protocol and Publicity for the Jigawa State Judiciary, in a press release issued on Sunday.
Among those dismissed were Iyal Ibrahim, a Higher Registrar on Grade Level 08, and Baffa Alhaji, a Principal Registrar on Grade Level 14. Both were found guilty of unlawfully selling two vehicles that were exhibits belonging to the Federal High Court in Dutse.
Their actions were classified as official misconduct under Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service 2006. Consequently, they were dismissed under Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. 20 Laws of Jigawa State 2012.
Also dismissed was Abdu Aujara, a Chief Clerical Officer, for embezzling N965,000 from a litigant’s deposit in a recovery case filed by Ja’iz Bank at the Chief Magistrates Court in Jahun. His dismissal was similarly enforced under Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law.
In addition, three Sharia Court judges were advised to resign over judicial misconduct.
- Adamu Farin-Dutse was accused of abusing judicial powers and disregarding previous warnings, prompting the commission to recommend his resignation within two weeks under Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law.
- Muhammad Usman was found guilty of issuing a writ of possession before delivering a judgment, violating judicial protocols.
- Usman Zubair was implicated in irregularities in inheritance distribution and allowing an unrelated party to benefit from the proceedings.
Two other judicial officers received formal warnings:
- Resident Magistrate Munnir Abdullahi was cautioned for converting a civil matter into a criminal case and exhibiting partisanship.
- Magistrate Yakubu Ibrahim was reprimanded for verbally abusing a litigant at the Chief Magistrate Court in Maigatari.
The JSC emphasized that these actions reflect its commitment to maintaining a corruption-free judiciary and upholding high standards of discipline and professionalism.
Wangara reiterated the commission’s dedication to fostering accountability and ensuring a fair and supportive work environment within the judicial system.
