The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has suspended two court officials over alleged misconduct and issued a formal warning to an Upper Sharia Court judge, Umar Bala-Musa.

This was announced in a statement by the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Wednesday in Kano.

It said the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 88th meeting, held on December 1 under the chairmanship of the chief judge, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki.

Those suspended are a principal registrar at the Kano Multi-Door Courthouse, Saifuddeen Mukhtar-Abdullahi and a senior clerical officer, Kamal Ado.

The statement said the actions followed the adoption of recommendations of investigations conducted by the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee.

The commission issued a formal warning to Mr Bala-Musa, an Upper Shari’a Court judge in Dambatta, for delaying the release of records of proceedings beyond the constitutionally prescribed seven-day period.

“The judge was found liable for delaying the release of the record of proceedings for three months despite repeated requests. He has been directed to ensure strict compliance with constitutional duties and judicial ethics,” the commission said.

It said the JSC also approved the interim suspension without pay of a principal registrar at the Kano Multi-Door Courthouse, Saifuddeen Mukhtar Abdullahi, over alleged criminal misappropriation of cooperative investment funds.

“Investigation revealed financial discrepancies linked to alleged misappropriation of funds, supported by forged witness signatures and conflicting co-operative loss records.

“The officer has been referred to the police for investigation and placed on interim suspension without pay in line with Rule 04405 of the Kano State Civil Service Rules, 2004,” added the statement.

In another development, the commission had suspended a senior clerical officer, GL-05, attached to Kurna Shari’a Court, Kamal Ado, following a report by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

It said the report confirmed that Mr Ado had been charged before the Federal High Court, Kano Division, for conspiracy to deal in illegal drugs and for assault on officers during a criminal investigation, including tampering with exhibits.

“Findings revealed that he participated in an attack that led to the vandalism of an official vehicle, unlawful release of a suspect and tampering with exhibits. He has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of his criminal trial.

“The commission also reviewed an earlier disciplinary decision against one Ibrahim Adamu, who had completed a six-month suspension,” the statement said.

It noted that Mr Adamu had shown remorse, resumed duty after posting and improved his conduct.

It added that the JSC therefore lifted Mr Adamu’s four-year promotion deferral and directed that he be considered for promotion when due, subject to his passing the required promotional examinations.

“The commission reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and reaffirms its commitment to discipline, integrity and public accountability within the judicial system,” the statement said.

(NAN)