Kano Judicial Commission Recalls Three Magistrates Over Alleged Abuse Of Duties

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary actions against three magistrates in the state over gross abuse of duties.

The sanctioned magistrates include; Chief Magistrate, Talatu Makama of Magistrate Court No 29, Senior Magistrate, Rabi Abdulkadir of Magistrate Court No 48, and Senior Registrar, Abdu Nasir of Appeal section, High Court, Kano.

This was contained in a release signed by the spokesperson of the Kano Judiciary, Baba Jibo.

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According to the release, their sanction was sequel to the findings of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) in respect to three petitions filed and investigated against Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, the commission adopted the recommendations of the JPCC.

“Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama is recalled from the bench and relieved of all judicial duties effective immediately.

“Following the review of the circumstance surrounding the handling of the case between Commissioner of Police Vs Abubakar Salisu, by Rabi Abdulkadir, Senior Magistrate Court No. 48, the Commission found the actions of the Senior Magistrate to amount to judicial recklessness and therefore the Commission has resolved to recall the Magistrate and relieved her from judicial duties for a period of one calendar year.

“She has been instructed to cease all duties at Magistrate Court No. 48,” he stated.

Jibo noted that the JSC also considered the investigation report on the alleged misconduct of Senior Registrar, Abdu Nasir of the Appeals Department of the High Court.

He said that Mr. Nasir received payments of fees meant for court records into his personal account, which constitutes serious misconduct.

Consequently, the commission issued a strong warning to Abdu Nasir and deferred his promotion for one year.

The commission also at its 73rd meeting held on 20th June 2024, deliberated on the petitions received against Chief Magistrate Court 60 manned by Tijjani Saleh Minjibir.

The response to the queries issued were found unsatisfactory.

“The commission viewed the actions of the chief magistrate to amount to serious misconduct and judicial recklessness and unanimously took the decision to recall Tijjani Saleh Minjibir from judicial duties for a period of one year effective immediately.

“He is to cease all judicial activities and report to the High Court headquarters for posting.

“The commission will continue to apply the appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those saddled with judicial responsibilities in order to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain the confidence of the public,” he added.