•Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken decisive disciplinary action against judicial officers found guilty of misconduct, including the demotion of a court registrar and the compulsory retirement of a senior registrar.
In a statement issued by Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, the spokesperson of the Kano State Judiciary, the decisions were made during the JSC’s 82nd meeting held on Wednesday.
According to Jibo-Ibrahim, the commission’s actions followed the adoption of recommendations from the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which investigated various allegations, reports Channels TV.
Abuse of office
“Court Registrar Salisu Sule was demoted by one grade level after the JPCC found overwhelming evidence of misconduct in four separate complaints bordering on insults, intimidation, and abuse of office,” Jibo-Ibrahim said.
He added that Sule had been previously issued a warning letter dated December 19, 2024, but his continued misconduct prompted the commission to impose a more severe penalty.
“Investigation revealed that Sule consistently used the name of the judiciary to harass and intimidate the public in the course of his duties,” he explained.
Senior registrar retired for forgery
In a more severe case, the JSC ordered the compulsory retirement of Ahmad Aliyu Danmaraya, a Principal Registrar attached to the High Court Headquarters in Kano, citing gross misconduct.
“The JPCC found Danmaraya guilty of forging an affidavit, affixing the High Court stamp and seal, and inscribing a fake receipt number, knowing fully well that he is not a commissioner for oaths,” said Jibo-Ibrahim.
Magistrates reinstated
In a separate decision, the Commission reinstated two magistrates, Chief Magistrate Mustapha Sa’ad-Datti and Chief Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, who had previously been suspended.
“After a careful review, the Commission resolved that Mustapha Sa’ad-Datti and Rabi Abdulkadir should resume sitting and continue with their judicial duties,” Jibo-Ibrahim stated.
He, however, noted that both magistrates were “admonished to uphold the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and professionalism in the discharge of their judicial functions.”
The disciplinary actions reflect the Commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within the state judiciary.
“These decisions are part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to maintain discipline and integrity in the judicial system of Kano State,” Jibo-Ibrahim concluded.
