Kano JSC Demotes Court Official, Retires Registrar Over Alleged Misconduct
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has demoted some judicial workers.
The workers were demoted over misconduct, including the demotion of a registrar and the compulsory retirement of a senior court official.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued by Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, following the Commission’s 82nd meeting held earlier this week. The measures were based on findings presented by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which conducted thorough investigations into the reported allegations.
Registrar Salisu Sule was demoted by one grade level after he was found guilty of multiple infractions. The JPCC established that Sule had engaged in acts of intimidation, verbal abuse, and misuse of his position. Evidence showed that he repeatedly exploited the authority of the judiciary to harass citizens. A previous warning issued to him on December 19, 2024, did not result in corrective action, prompting the Commission to impose a more serious penalty.
In another case, Principal Registrar Ahmad Aliyu Danmaraya, serving at the High Court Headquarters in Kano, was retired compulsorily. The investigation revealed that he forged an affidavit, unlawfully applied the High Court’s stamp and seal, and inserted a fake receipt number, despite not being authorized as a commissioner for oaths.
Similarly, the Commission suspended Alkali Mustapha Kiru of the Sharia Court from judicial duties for one year. It was discovered that he prematurely closed a case due to the plaintiff’s failure to present a witness and then issued a writ of possession over a disputed piece of land. Furthermore, he allegedly detained the complainant unofficially for three weeks after the individual questioned his decision—an act that violated due process and principles of justice.
Meanwhile, Chief Magistrates Mustapha Sa’ad-Datti and Rabi Abdulkadir were reinstated after the Commission reviewed their cases. They were directed to resume their roles but were reminded of the importance of upholding professional ethics and judicial standards.
The JSC also issued warnings to other judicial officers. Senior Magistrate Sakina Aminu was cautioned for assigning a police prosecutor in defiance of directives from the Chief Judge. She was urged to strengthen cooperation with state counsel and comply with judicial circulars that prohibit police prosecutors from handling court cases. Additionally, Alkali Nasiru Ahmad received a warning for careless handling of a criminal matter, with the Commission stating that such negligence could lead to miscarriages of justice.
The Kano JSC reiterated its resolve to maintain transparency, discipline, and ethical conduct within the judicial system, emphasizing its continued zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of office or dereliction of duty.
