Kano judiciary cracks down on misconduct, demotes registrar, reinstates magistrates

In a sweeping disciplinary move, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken decisive action against multiple judicial officers over misconduct and abuse of office, following its 82nd meeting held on Friday, May 23.

According to a statement released by Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, spokesperson of the Kano State Judiciary, the disciplinary measures were based on findings by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) and reflect the Commission’s firm stance on accountability and integrity in the judiciary.

Key Disciplinary Actions:

• Court Registrar Salisu Sule was demoted by one grade level after being found guilty of misconduct across four separate complaints, which included insults, intimidation, and abuse of office. The JPCC concluded that Sule had used the name of the judiciary to harass the public. He had previously received a warning letter dated December 19, 2024.

• Chief Magistrates Mustapha Sa’ad-Datti and Rabi Abdulkadir were reinstated after review, with a stern warning to uphold integrity, diligence, and professionalism.

• Principal Registrar Ahmad Aliyu Danmaraya, attached to the High Court Headquarters, was compulsorily retired for forging an affidavit, applying the High Court’s stamp and seal, and using a fake receipt number—despite not being a commissioner for oaths.

• Alkali Mustapha Kiru of the Sharia Court was recalled for one year for violating principles of fair hearing. He closed a case without a witness, issued a writ of possession over disputed farmland, and jailed the petitioner off-record for three weeks.

• Alkali Nasiru Ahmad received a warning for negligence in handling a case, including procedural lapses in criminal matters that risked miscarriage of justice.

• Senior Magistrate Sakina Aminu was also warned for violating a Chief Judge’s circular by assigning a police prosecutor in her proceedings. She was advised to respect superior directives and foster better cooperation with State Counsel.

The Commission emphasized that these actions are in line with its mission to maintain professionalism and public trust in the judicial system, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct at all levels.