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By EHIGIMETOR IGBAUGBA

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

Mr. Peter Ene, the Commission’s Secretary, announced the suspension in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Calabar.

Ene listed the suspended magistrates to include, Ushie Ushang, Port Court, Calabar, and Gabriel Ebebe, Chief Magistrate Court, Edor, Ikom.

Others are Gabriel Agana, Chief Magistrates Court, Effraya, Ikom, and Shadrach Orji, Chief Magistrates Court 1, Ogoja

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

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

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

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

Ene further directed the magistrate in Calabar to hand over all pending files to the Administrative Chief Magistrate.

The secretary said that 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 commitment of the commission to maintaining 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,” he said. (NAN)

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