Why Judges and Registrars Were Sanctioned by the Kano State Judiciary

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has implemented disciplinary measures against two court registrars and two judges of the Upper Shari’a Court due to misconduct. This information was conveyed in a statement released by the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, Mr. Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Monday in Kano. He indicated that this decision was part of the resolutions made during the JSC’s 80th meeting held on April 22, 2025. The commission, adhering to its mandate, accepted the recommendations from the investigation conducted by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee and resolved to suspend and formally warn the individuals involved. The individuals suspended include Ibrahim Adamu, Principal Registrar II of the Kano High Court, and Maigida Lawan, Principal Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal. Additionally, Upper Sharia Court Judges Alkali Mansur Ibrahim and Nasiru Ahmad received formal warnings. Jibo-Ibrahim stated that Adamu was suspended without pay for a period of six months. The statement further noted that his promotion has been postponed following findings that confirmed he verbally assaulted and attempted to physically confront his superior, which constitutes gross misconduct in violation of the Kano State Civil Service Rules 2004 and the JSC Regulations. This marks the second instance in which Adamu has faced an investigative committee for violence-related incidents at work, having received multiple queries previously. The commission deemed Adamu’s conduct to be severely inappropriate for his position and imposed the necessary disciplinary actions. Furthermore, the statement indicated that Lawan, Principal Registrar of the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal, was also suspended without pay for six months, effective immediately, after being found guilty of soliciting and accepting improper benefits under false pretenses. The commission accepted the JPCC's recommendation, resulting in Lawan's demotion by one grade level (from GL-13 to GL-12). The commission has issued a warning to Malam Mansur Ibrahim, a judge of the Upper Shari’a Court, after it was confirmed that he employed derogatory and offensive language towards a litigant. Additionally, a formal warning was given to Nasiru Ahmad, another judge of the Upper Shari’a Court, for detaining a judgment debtor in a manner that indicated personal bias and undermined judicial neutrality. It was emphasized that discretionary powers should be exercised with the highest degree of fairness and objectivity to maintain public trust in the judiciary. The JSC reiterated its strict stance against misconduct and corruption, highlighting its dedication to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Furthermore, all judicial officers and staff are reminded to act in a way that upholds the dignity and trust placed in them by the citizens of Kano State. Jibo-Ibrahim cautioned all court personnel against engaging in corrupt activities, stating that those found guilty of corruption will face mandatory retirement, as the JSC will not tolerate any form of corruption.