The Cross River Judicial Service Commission has suspended four magistrates and some judicial service staff over misconduct, corruption and judicial malpractices.

The commission’s secretary, Peter Ene, announced the suspension in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Ene listed the suspended magistrates as Ushie Ushang, Port Court, Calabar, Gabriel Ebebe, Chief Magistrate Court, Edor, and Ikom. Others are Gabriel Agana of the Chief Magistrates Court, Effraya, Ikom, and Shadrach Orji of the Chief Magistrates of Court 1, Ogoja.

He said the magistrates were found guilty of corruption, falsification of records, judicial incompetence, drunkenness, and dereliction of duty.

The secretary said that while the four magistrates were suspended without pay, two others were sternly warned.

Mr Ene further stated that three judicial staff were suspended without pay while a Chief Bailiff was given a warning letter.

He directed all affected outstation magistrates to hand pending cases to their respective court registrars for necessary actions.

Mr Ene further directed the magistrate in Calabar to hand over all pending files to the administrative chief magistrate.

The secretary said the commission’s decision was consistent with the provisions of Section 3, Rule 03305 of the Cross River Public Service Rules, 2004.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of integrity and standards in judicial service delivery.

“The commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those saddled with judicial responsibilities. This will help to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and sustain public confidence,” said Mr Ene.

(NAN)