The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Jigawa State has taken decisive action against several judges and judicial officials found guilty of corruption and misconduct. The commission announced the sanctions following its 178th meeting held on January 7, 2025, in a statement signed by its secretary, Auwalu Dan’Azumi.
Two judicial officers, Iyal Ibrahim, a Higher Registrar, and Baffa Alhaji, a Principal Registrar, were dismissed for illegally selling vehicles that were exhibits in cases handled by the Federal High Court, Dutse. According to the JSC, their actions violated Rule 5 (4) and (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service 2006.
“The service of the two officers has been terminated in accordance with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. 20 Laws of Jigawa State 2012,” the commission stated.
In another case, Abdu Aujara, a Chief Clerical Officer, was dismissed for suppressing N965,000, a litigant’s deposit in a case of recovery filed by Ja’iz Bank before the Chief Magistrate Court Jahun. The JSC confirmed that his misconduct also warranted dismissal under the same law.
Shari’a Court Judges Advised to Resign
The JSC took action against three Shari’a Court judges for abusing their judicial powers. Judge Adamu Farin-Dutse was found guilty of repeatedly misapplying the law and abusing his authority, despite previous warnings.
“After careful deliberations, the commission advised the judge to tender his resignation within two weeks as stipulated by Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law,” the statement read.
Similarly, Judge Muhammad Usman was advised to resign after issuing a writ of possession before delivering judgment, a violation of judicial procedure.
Also Read:
The commission also sanctioned Judge Usman Zubair for mishandling inheritance cases, allowing individuals not involved in the case to benefit, and failing to properly adjudicate. The JSC revealed that Zubair had previously been warned for irregularities in his rulings.
“The commission resolved to advise him to submit his resignation letter within two weeks,” the statement added.
Resident Magistrate Munnir Abdullahi received a warning for converting a civil matter into a criminal case and showing partisanship. Magistrate Yakubu Ibrahim was also warned for insulting a litigant and using derogatory language at the Chief Magistrate Court in Maigatari.
Commitment to Judicial Integrity
The JSC emphasized its commitment to upholding judicial integrity in Jigawa State. “These actions demonstrate our zero-tolerance policy for corruption and misconduct within the judiciary,” the commission stated.
The disciplinary measures highlight ongoing efforts to restore public confidence in the judicial system and ensure adherence to due process in the state.