The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken strict disciplinary measures against two court registrars and two judges from the Upper Shari’a Court for various acts of misconduct. The disciplinary actions were announced in a statement issued by the Kano State Judiciary spokesperson, Mr. Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Monday, following a meeting of the JSC on April 22, 2025.
According to the statement, the commission made these decisions after considering the findings of an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC). The investigation led to the suspension and formal warnings being issued to the affected officers, in line with the JSC’s mandate to maintain the integrity and ethical standards of the judiciary in the state.
Among those sanctioned are Ibrahim Adamu, the Principal Registrar II at the Kano High Court, and Maigida Lawan, the Principal Registrar of the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal. Both have been suspended from their duties without pay for six months due to serious misconduct. The statement outlined that Adamu’s suspension was the result of a verbal altercation where he reportedly assaulted and attempted to physically attack a superior officer. This incident was deemed an act of gross misconduct, violating the Kano State Civil Service Rules of 2004 and JSC Regulations. Notably, Adamu had previously faced similar allegations, having appeared before an investigative committee for violence-related incidents in the past. His suspension also came with the deferment of his promotion, further solidifying the commission’s commitment to upholding professional conduct within the judiciary.
Similarly, Lawan, who was found guilty of demanding and accepting bribes under false pretenses, was suspended for six months without pay. In addition, he was demoted by one grade level, moving from GL-13 to GL-12, as part of the sanctions imposed on him for unethical behavior.
Two Upper Shari’a Court judges, Alkali Mansur Ibrahim and Nasiru Ahmad, also faced repercussions, although their punishments were less severe. Ibrahim was issued a formal warning after evidence emerged that he used offensive and abusive language toward a litigant, an action that was deemed unprofessional and unbecoming of his position. Ahmad, on the other hand, received a warning for ordering the detention of a judgment debtor in a manner that indicated potential bias and a conflict of interest, thus compromising the principles of judicial impartiality.
The Kano State Judiciary, through the JSC, reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct in the legal profession. In his statement, Jibo-Ibrahim emphasized the importance of maintaining fairness and transparency in the judicial system. He also underscored the necessity for judicial officers and court staff to conduct themselves with the dignity and respect expected of them, given the public trust vested in them.
The JSC’s stance is clear: any court staff found involved in corrupt practices will face serious consequences, including compulsory retirement. This firm position reflects the commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process in Kano State.
