The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed three judicial officers for misconduct and advised three Shari’a Court judges to resign while reprimanding two others for dereliction of duty.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Protocol and Publicity at Jigawa State Judiciary, Abbas Wangara, the commission confirmed the actions taken during its 178th meeting on January 7.
Naijaonpoint gathered that the meeting, chaired by the JSC Secretary, Auwalu Dan’Azumi, reviewed multiple cases of violations against judicial procedures.
Wangara said, “The disciplinary actions were taken to uphold judicial integrity and ensure adherence to the rule of law.”
Illegal Sales Of Court Exhibits
Two registrars, Iyal Ibrahim (Higher Registrar, Grade Level 08) and Baffa Alhaji (Principal Registrar, Grade Level 14), were dismissed for the illegal sale of two vehicles, which were exhibits from the Federal High Court, Dutse.
“Their actions constitute official misconduct under Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service 2006,” Wangara stated, adding that the terminations were in line with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. J20 Laws of Jigawa State, 2012.
A Chief Clerical Officer, Abdu Aujara, was also dismissed for suppressing ₦965,000, which was 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 accordance with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. J20 Laws of Jigawa State, 2012,” Wangara explained.
The JSC reviewed several complaints against Shari’a Court judges, including Adamu Farin-Dutse, who was accused of abusing judicial powers and misapplying the law.
Despite previous warnings, Farin-Dutse’s actions persisted, prompting the commission to advise his resignation within two weeks.
Similarly, Muhammad Usman was found guilty of issuing a writ of possession before delivering judgment, an act that violated judicial procedures. The commission advised him to resign, citing Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law.
Another judge, Usman Zubair, was found to have mishandled inheritance cases by improperly involving non-parties in the distribution of shares. The commission also advised him to resign within two weeks.
Two magistrates were reprimanded for misconduct. Munnir Abdullahi received a warning for converting a civil matter into a criminal case and showing partisanship.
Yakubu Ibrahim was cautioned for using derogatory language against a litigant at the Chief Magistrate Court in Maigatari.
“These warnings are aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the judiciary,” Wangara noted.
The JSC emphasized its commitment to maintaining a high standard of discipline and professionalism within the judiciary.
Wangara added, “This disciplinary exercise reflects the commission’s dedication to ensuring a corrupt-free judiciary and upholding the confidence of the public in the judicial system.”