The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended two court registrars and issued formal warnings to two Upper Sharia Court judges.

At its 80th meeting held on April 22, 2025, the Commission adopted the recommendations of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which investigated allegations of misconduct against the affected officials.

In a statement signed by the spokesman of the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, the Commission reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct, warning that any court staff found culpable in future cases would face compulsory retirement.

The Commission announced the suspension of Ibrahim Adamu, a Principal Registrar II at the High Court of Justice, without pay for six months.

Adamu’s promotion was also deferred after investigations reportedly proved that he verbally assaulted and attempted to physically attack a superior officer — an action deemed gross misconduct under the Kano State Civil Service Rules 2004 and Judicial Service Commission Regulations.

The statement noted that this was Adamu’s second disciplinary case involving violence at the workplace, following a series of previous queries, leading the Commission to impose stiffer sanctions.

Similarly, Maigida Lawan, a Principal Registrar at the Sharia Court of Appeal, was found guilty of demanding and accepting improper gratification under false pretences. Consequently, the Commission demoted him by one grade level — from GL-13 to GL-12 — and suspended him without pay for six months.

Meanwhile, Upper Sharia Court Judge, Alkali Mansur Ibrahim, was issued a formal warning after being found to have used abusive and insulting language toward a litigant. The Commission cautioned all judicial officers to exhibit restraint and to treat court users with respect and dignity.

Another Upper Sharia Court Judge, Alkali Nasiru Ahmad, was formally cautioned over his handling of a judgment debtor’s detention, with the Commission, stating that his actions suggested personal interest, thereby compromising judicial impartiality.

The JSC stressed that the exercise of discretionary powers by judicial officers must be guided by fairness and objectivity to maintain public trust in the judicial system.

“These measures underscore the Commission’s unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Judicial officers and staff are reminded to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the honour and trust vested in them by the people of Kano State,” the statement read.

The Commission vowed to continue rooting out any form of misconduct to protect the integrity of the judiciary.