The Jigawa Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has directed three Sharia court judges to resign and terminated the appointments of three judiciary officers over allegations of misconduct. The decision was reached during the commission’s 178th meeting held in Dutse.

Officers Found Guilty of Misconduct

The commission reviewed an investigative report from the High Court department concerning two officers, Iyal Ibrahim (Higher Registrar, GL 08) and Baffa Alhaji (Principal Registrar, GL 14). These officers were found guilty of selling two vehicle exhibits belonging to the Federal High Court, Dutse, without authorization.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Protocol & Publicity for the Jigawa State Judiciary, Abbas Wangara, the illegal sale constituted official misconduct as defined under Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service (2006).

“This act constitutes official misconduct punishable under Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service (2006). The commission has, therefore, resolved to terminate their services in line with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. J20 Laws of Jigawa State (2012),” the statement read.

In another case, Abdu Hassan Aujara, a Chief Clerical Officer, was accused of suppressing a deposit of N965,000 from a recovery case filed by Ja’iz Bank at the Chief Magistrate Court, Jahun. After deliberation, the commission resolved to terminate his appointment under the same Judicial Service Commission Law.

Disciplinary Actions Against Sharia Court Judges

The commission also received reports of judicial misconduct involving three Sharia court judges:

1. Alkali Adamu Isyaku Farin-Dutse was found guilty of repeated judicial misconduct and misapplication of the law. Despite previous warnings, he failed to adhere to proper judicial procedures. The commission requested his resignation within two weeks, citing Section 5.4 of the Judiciary Scheme of Service.
2. Alkali Muhammad Shehu Usman was accused of issuing a writ of possession before delivering judgment, a clear breach of judicial procedures. He was advised to resign within two weeks.
3. Alkali Usman Usman Zubair improperly adjudicated an inheritance dispute, failing to distribute shares fairly among legal heirs and allowing a non-party to benefit. Despite prior warnings, the judge committed further infractions. The commission requested his resignation within two weeks.

Warnings Issued to Magistrates

The JSC also addressed concerns about improper conduct by two magistrates:

• Resident Magistrate Gumel, Munnir Sarki Abdullahi, was warned for converting a civil matter into a criminal case and demonstrating partisanship. The commission emphasized that his actions undermined judicial neutrality and issued a formal warning under Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law.
• Magistrate Yakubu Ibrahim was reprimanded for abusing his position by using derogatory language toward a litigant at the Chief Magistrate Court, Maigatari. He was cautioned to adhere strictly to judicial standards moving forward.

Reaffirming Judicial Integrity

The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission underscored its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within the judiciary. It emphasized the importance of integrity, accountability, and fairness in judicial proceedings.

“The JSC remains dedicated to ensuring a fair working environment for all employees while upholding the highest standards of judicial conduct,” the commission stated.

These disciplinary actions serve as a strong message that unethical behavior within the judiciary will not be tolerated. The commission reiterated its resolve to safeguard the public’s trust in the legal system and ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially across the state.