Kano: Misconduct Allegations Result in Sanctions 3 Magistrates, Registrar

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission announced on Monday that it has taken disciplinary actions against three magistrates and a registrar for alleged misconduct.

According to a statement by Baba Jibo Ibrahim, Spokesperson of the Kano State Judiciary, Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama of Magistrate Court No. 29 has been recalled from the bench and relieved of all judicial duties effective immediately. Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir of Magistrate Court No. 48 and Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh Minjibir of Magistrate Court No. 60 were also recalled from their judicial duties for one year each.

The Commission issued a strong warning to Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir of the Appeals Department of the High Court and deferred his promotion for one year.

The statement revealed that during its 72nd meeting on June 11, 2024, the Commission adopted the recommendations of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) following thorough investigations into three petitions against Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama. She was found guilty of gross misconduct, including ordering GT Bank to transfer money from a frozen account into her personal account, which she admitted. She was also found to have displayed judicial bias and misconduct in handling other cases.

Regarding Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, the Commission found her actions in the case between the Commissioner of Police and Abubakar Salisu to amount to judicial recklessness. Consequently, she has been recalled from her duties for one year and must cease all duties at Magistrate Court No. 48.

Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir was found to have received payments meant for court records into his personal account, constituting serious misconduct. He received a strong warning and had his promotion deferred for one year.

At its 73rd meeting on June 20, 2024, the Commission also reviewed petitions against Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh Minjibir. Finding his responses unsatisfactory and his actions amounting to serious misconduct and judicial recklessness, the Commission decided to recall him from his duties for one year, effective immediately.

The Commission emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of judicial conduct and ensuring the integrity of the legal system. These disciplinary actions underscore its dedication to safeguarding the judicial system’s integrity and maintaining public confidence.