Jigawa judicial service sacks three judges, issues warning to two over misconduct
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSSCC) has dismissed three judicial officers and issued stern advisories to others following a comprehensive disciplinary action.
The decision was made during the Commission’s 178th meeting, which took place in Dutse on January 7, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Barrister Auwalu Dan’azumi, the meeting addressed several serious allegations against judicial officers in the state.
Among those dismissed were Iyal Ibrahim, a Higher Registrar on GL 08, and Baffa Alhaji, a Principal Registrar on GL 14. Both were found guilty of unlawfully selling two vehicles that had been seized as exhibits by the Federal High Court in Dutse. Their actions were deemed to constitute official misconduct, violating Rule 5 (4) & (6) of the Jigawa State Judiciary Scheme of Service, 2006.
The Commission resolved to terminate their services in accordance with Section 41 of the Judicial Service Commission Law, Cap. J20, Laws of Jigawa State, 2012.
Further investigations revealed that Abdu Hassan Aujara, a Chief Clerical Officer, had suppressed a deposit of N965,000, which had been made by a litigant in a recovery case filed by Ja’iz Bank at the Chief Magistrate Court in Jahun. Aujara’s actions also led to the termination of his service under the same section of the Judicial Service Commission Law.
The Commission also issued stern directives concerning several Shari’a Court judges.
Alkali Adamu Isyaku Farin-Dutse, who was found guilty of misapplying judicial power and receiving repeated warnings over misconduct, was advised to submit his resignation within two weeks.
Alkali Muhammad Shehu Usman was censured for issuing a writ of possession before delivering a judgment, a clear violation of judicial due process. The Commission also urged him to tender his resignation.
The third Shari’a Court judge, Alkali Usman Usman Zubair, came under scrutiny for failing to properly adjudicate matters related to inheritance distribution and improperly involving a third party in a legal matter. Having been previously warned for irregularities in his handling of civil and criminal cases, Zubair was likewise advised to resign within two weeks.
In addition, Magistrate Munnir Sarki Abdullahi of Gumel was reprimanded for converting a civil matter into a criminal case and displaying partisanship during proceedings.
Magistrate Yakubu Ibrahim of Maigatari was warned for insulting and using derogatory language towards a litigant during court proceedings.
“The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission is committed to providing a fair and supportive working environment for all employees,” the statement concluded.
