Shari’a court registrar demoted for bribery, other judiciary staff suspended for document forgery

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against some court officials over alleged intimidation and illegal monetary demands.

The commission’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, said the decision was part of resolutions reached at the 79th meeting of the JSC, which was chaired by the Kano chief judge, Dije Aboki.

He said the commission reviewed the findings of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) regarding a petition filed by one Sani Gado against Hudu Idris, a registrar at the Upper Shari’a Court in Gwarzo and Bala Gwarzo, a casual watchman at the same court.

Mr Jibo-Ibrahim maintained that the petition alleged intimidation and illegal monetary demands by the two court staff.

“They appeared before the committee and admitted their involvement in corrupt practices of N214,000.

“In line with its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, the JSC adopted the recommendations of the JPCC and took the following actions.

“Idris has been demoted by one grade level and placed on compulsory retirement with immediate effect for receiving a bribe, while Bala-Gwarzo’s contract appointment has been terminated with immediate effect for his role in the corrupt act,” he said.

Mr Jibo-Ibrahim noted that the commission, in the same meeting, deliberated on the suspension of Bilya Abdullahi, Auwalu Ibrahim-Khalil, and Ismaila Garba following a complaint lodged by one Muzdalifa regarding an alleged forgery of a court reversal order.

“The case was thoroughly investigated by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) and subsequently referred to the police for further inquiry.

“The police investigation was forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution whose advice revealed that there was not enough evidence on which to prosecute them.

“In light of these findings, the commission resolved to lift the suspension of the aforementioned officers with immediate effect, while Abdullahi was issued a strong warning to desist from illegal and unethical actions, which will not be condoned by the Commission,” Mr Jibo-Ibrahim said.

The JSC also approved the appointment of an acting chief registrar and six other key managerial positions within the Kano State Judiciary.

“These appointments were made after careful consideration of their work ethics, track records and in recognition of their hard work, humility, integrity, total commitment and dedication to serving the judiciary,” he said.

The commission reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct within the judiciary.

(NAN)