Kano Judicial Commission Punishes Court Officials Over Corruption Allegations 

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against two staff members of the Upper Shari’a Court in Gwarzo Local Government Area over corruption allegations. The decision was made during the Commission’s 79th meeting, presided over by the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki.

According to a statement by JSC spokesperson Hudu Idris, the Registrar of the Upper Shari’a Court was demoted by one grade level and compulsorily retired for accepting bribes. Additionally, Abba Bala Gwarzo, a casual security guard, had his appointment terminated with immediate effect. The disciplinary actions followed an investigation by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) based on a petition filed by Alhaji Sani Bozo Rimin Gado, who accused the two officials of intimidation and unlawful financial demands.

“During the investigation, both individuals admitted to corrupt practices involving a total sum of N214,000,” the statement disclosed. “The Commission, committed to maintaining judicial integrity, acted upon the JPCC’s recommendations and enforced appropriate sanctions.”

Furthermore, the Commission reviewed the suspension of Bilya Abdullahi, Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil, and Ismaila Garba, who were accused of forging a court reversal order. Following investigations and legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute them. Consequently, their suspension was lifted, though Bilya Abdullahi received a stern warning to uphold ethical standards. The JSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring integrity within the judiciary and warned that corrupt practices will not be tolerated.