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The Kano Judicial Service Commission has demoted and compulsorily retired a registrar at the Upper Shari’a Court, Gwarzo, Hudu Idris, for receiving bribes.
Additionally, the contract appointment of Abba Bala Gwarzo, a casual watchman at the same court, has been terminated with immediate effect.
The decision was reached during the 79th meeting of the commission, held on February 6, 2025, under the leadership of the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Ibrahim, the disciplinary actions followed findings from the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee regarding a petition filed by one Alhaji Sani Gado.
The petition accused Idris and Gwarzo of intimidation and illegal monetary demands.
After a thorough investigation, both officials admitted to receiving bribes totaling N214,000.
“In line with its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, the JSC adopted the recommendations of the JPCC and took decisive action against those found guilty,” the statement read.
The commission reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct, emphasising its commitment to maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
During the same meeting, the JSC reviewed the suspension of three officials—Bilya Abdullahi, Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil, and Ismaila Garba—following a complaint by Muzdalifa regarding an alleged forgery of a court reversal order.
After investigations by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee and subsequent police inquiries, the Director of Public Prosecutions determined that there was insufficient evidence for prosecution.
As a result, the suspensions were lifted immediately, though Bilya Abdullahi was issued a strong warning to desist from unethical conduct.
The JSC also approved several key managerial appointments within the Kano State Judiciary, based on work ethics, integrity, and dedication to service.
A Chief Magistrate, Hajara Ahmad, was appointed the acting Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice.
Musa Umar was named acting Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration & General Services) of the High Court of Justice, while Usman Adam assumed the role of acting Deputy Chief Registrar (Magistracy) of the High Court of Justice.
Fatima Yakasai was appointed acting Deputy Chief Registrar (Legal) of the High Court of Justice.
At the Kano State High Court of Justice, Chief Magistrate Hadiza Rabiu Bello was appointed acting Director of the Judicial Service Commission.
A Chief Magistrate, Zuhura Madaki, became acting Director of the Training Department, while Senior Magistrate Malikatu Mudh Nuraini was named acting Assistant Director of the Training Department.
The statement emphasised that these appointments were made in recognition of the individuals’ hard work, integrity, and commitment to the judiciary.
