Forgery, Extortion Allegations Lead to Sanctions Six Kano Court Registrars

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has sanctioned six court registrars for misconduct, including forgery and extortion.

In a statement issued on Friday, the commission’s spokesman, Baba Jibo, announced that the decision was made during the commission’s 74th meeting on July 22, 2024.

The Judiciary Public Complaint Committee (JPCC) investigated a petition against two court registrars, Mustapha Makama and Yusuf Yakasai, who were accused of conspiring to extort N130,000 from a petitioner under the false pretense of releasing a suspect on bail.

“The committee found that their actions amounted to extortion and conspiracy involving the unlawful receipt of funds,” the statement read.

Makama has been directed to proceed on compulsory retirement, having been deemed unfit to continue in the judiciary. Yakasai, who was found to be an accessory to the misconduct, has been demoted by one grade level.

The JPCC also investigated a petition against a syndicate involving Salisu Ado (Secretary at High Court Complex Bompai), Bilya Abdullahi (Senior Registrar High Court No. 9), Ismail Garba, and Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil (Court Registrars). The investigation revealed their involvement in conspiracy, forgery, and cheating through the issuance of forged bank reversal court orders and forging the signature of a magistrate.

“The Judicial Service Commission, upon adopting the recommendation of the JPCC, has suspended the above-mentioned staff immediately,” the statement added.

The commission emphasized its commitment to applying appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those with judicial responsibilities, to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain public confidence.