The Judicial Service Commission in Kano has taken disciplinary measures against three magistrates and a registrar of the Kano High Court due to their misconduct. Among them, a magistrate was caught attempting to embezzle funds from a frozen bank account.
This action was officially communicated through a statement signed by the spokesperson for the JSC, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Monday.
“The Judicial Service Commission, during its 72nd meeting on June 11, 2024, reviewed complaints against the three magistrates and one registrar in the state. The magistrates involved are Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir, and Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir.
“These disciplinary measures highlight the dedication of the Judicial Service Commission to upholding the highest standards of judicial behavior and ensuring the integrity of the legal system,” Mr. Jibo-Ibrahim stated.
The statement mentioned that the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee’s investigation into three complaints lodged against Ms. Makama revealed her guilt in misconduct.
The investigation disclosed that she instructed GTBank to transfer funds from a petitioner’s frozen account to her personal account, a fact she openly acknowledged in her response.
The second complaint pointed out elements of judicial bias in her handling of cases, while the third complaint revealed that she received a case and issued an order to the police before officially being assigned the case.
“Consequently, the commission decided to recall Chief Magistrate Talatu from her position and relieve her of all judicial responsibilities with immediate effect,” Mr. Jibo-Ibrahim announced.
The JSC also found Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir guilty of judicial recklessness.
“The commission has resolved to recall the magistrate, relieve her of judicial duties for one calendar year, and instructed her to cease all activities at Magistrate Court No. 48,” Mr. Jibo-Ibrahim stated.
Additionally, the investigation found that senior registrar Abdu Nasir diverted fees meant for court records into his personal account, constituting severe misconduct.
“The commission strongly warned Nasir and deferred his promotion for one year,” the spokesperson mentioned.
The statement also highlighted the commission’s discussion of complaints against Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh-Minjibir during its 73rd meeting.
“His responses to the inquiries were deemed unsatisfactory, and the commission considered the actions of the magistrate to be serious misconduct and judicial recklessness. Saleh-Minjibir is suspended from judicial duties for one year, effective immediately, and is relieved of all judicial responsibilities,” Mr. Jibo-Ibrahim confirmed.
The suspended magistrate was instructed to report to the Kano High Court for further assignment.
The statement emphasized that the commission will continue to enforce appropriate sanctions against any staff members, especially those entrusted with judicial roles, who violate the established standards.
These measures are aimed at upholding the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintaining the trust of the public.
