By RAMATU GARBA

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

This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Wednesday in Kano.

He said that the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 88th meeting held on Dec.1, under the Chairmanship of the Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki.

According to him, those suspended are a Principal Registrar at the Kano Multi-Door Courthouse, Saifuddeen Mukhtar-Abdullahi and a Senior Clerical Officer, Kamal Ado.

The spokesperson said the actions followed the adoption of recommendations of investigations conducted by the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee (JPCC).

Jibo-Ibrahim said the commission issued a formal warning to 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 spokesperson revealed.

He 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 co-operative 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,” Jibo-Ibrahim added.

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 (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command.

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

“Findings reveal 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 spokesperson said.

Jibo-Ibrahim noted that Adamu had shown remorse, resumed duty after posting and improved his conduct.

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

“The commission reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, integrity and public accountability within the judicial system,” he noted. (NAN)

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