Kano State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, has taken disciplinary actions against three magistrates and a registrar of the State High Court over misconduct.
This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesman of Kano State Judiciary, Mr Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, yesterday in Kano.
“The Judicial Service Commission at its 72nd meeting held on June 11, considered petitions against the three magistrates and one registrar.
“The magistrates are: Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir, and Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir.
“These disciplinary actions underscore the commission’s commitment to maintain the highest standard of judicial conduct and ensure the integrity of the legal system”, Jibo-Ibrahim said.
The statement said investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee in respect of the three petitions filed against Makama found her guilty of misconduct.
According to the statement, the investigation revealed that she made an order to GT Bank to transfer money from a petitioner’s account already frozen, into her personal account, and which she clearly admitted in her response.
It said the second petition also found elements amounting to judicial bias in her handling of a case.
According to the statement, in the third petition, she was found to have received a case and made an order to the police even before the case was assigned to her.
“The commission subsequently held that Chief Magistrate Talatu be recalled from the bench and relieved of all judicial duties effective immediately”, Jibo-Ibrahim said.
He noted that the commission also indicted Senior Magistrate Abdulkadir of judicial recklessness.
“The commission has resolved to recall the magistrate and relieve her of judicial duties for a period of one calendar year and has instructed her to cease all duties at Magistrate Court No. 48”, Jibo-Ibrahim said.
He noted that investigation revealed that Senior Registrar Nasir received payment of fees meant for court records into his personal account, which constitutes serious misconduct.
“The commission issued a strong warning to Nasir and also deferred his promotion for one year”, the spokesman said.
The statement added that the commission also deliberated on the petitions received against Chief Magistrate Saleh-Minjibir.
“The response to the queries issued were found unsatisfactory and the commission viewed the actions of the magistrate as serious misconduct and judicial recklessness.
“Saleh-Minjibir is recalled from judicial duties for a period of one year, effective immediately, and is ceased of all judicial activities”, Jibo-Ibrahim said.
He addes that the suspended magistrate is to report to the State High Court for posting.
The statement said the commission will continue to apply the appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those saddled with judicial responsibilities.
It said the measures are to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain the confidence of the public. NAN
