The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary action against several judges and court staff found guilty of misconduct, breaching ethical standards, and engaging in corrupt practices, the judiciary announced on Thursday.
According to Baba Jibo Ibrahim, the spokesperson for the Kano judiciary, the decisions were reached during the Commission’s 86th meeting held on October 30, 2025. The actions followed investigations by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which looked into petitions from the public and legal practitioners regarding misconduct in the state’s courts.
“The Commission remains committed to enforcing discipline, transparency, and accountability in the judiciary. Misconduct will not be tolerated,” Ibrahim said.
The statement revealed that Isa Yuguda Wudilawa, Principal Registrar at the Magistrate Court, Zungeru Complex, was found guilty of collecting official court funds into his personal account. This was described as a serious violation of financial regulations and public service ethics. Wudilawa was demoted from Grade Level 12 to Grade Level 10 in line with civil service rules.
Similarly, Alkali Ibrahim Isah Usman, Presiding Judge of Bebeji Shari’a Court, was sanctioned for executing a judgment before the 30-day appeal period had expired. He received a strong warning, and his promotion was deferred for one year.
Another judge, Alkali Shamsu Maul’ainaini of the Upper Shari’a Court, Durbunde, was found guilty of multiple violations, including financial misconduct, removing court records, and ignoring jurisdictional circulars. He was demoted to the registrar cadre, suspended from judicial duties, and issued a stern warning.
In a severe case of corruption, Ibrahim Salim, Clerk of the Upper Shari’a Court, Rijiyar Lemo, was dismissed after being found guilty of forgery, falsifying court documents, and soliciting bribes from litigants.
While some officials were punished, the Commission also recognized acts of honesty. Alkali Ali Jibrin Danzaki, Presiding Judge of the Upper Shari’a Court, Rijiyar Lemo, was commended for reporting the misconduct of his clerk. The Commission described his action as exemplary and presented him with a letter of commendation, emphasizing the importance of integrity in maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
The Commission also criticized retired judges who acted beyond their tenure. Alkali Munzali Tanko (Rtd.), formerly of Upper Shari’a Court Post Office, conducted judicial proceedings nine days after his retirement. The Commission described his actions as “shameful” and “damaging to the judiciary’s image” and directed that the incident be made public as a warning to others.
Additionally, Magistrate Halima A. B. Wali received a strong warning for failing to follow due process in a criminal case. Abdul’aziz M. Habib, another judicial officer, was sanctioned for disregarding official circulars. His punishment includes forfeiting half of his salary for three months and receiving a stern warning.
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has the constitutional mandate to oversee the conduct of judicial officers and ensure that the judiciary operates with fairness, transparency, and accountability. In recent years, there have been increased public complaints about corruption, bribery, and procedural violations in the courts.
The JPCC, a specialized arm of the Commission, investigates complaints against judges, magistrates, and court staff. These investigations often involve verifying petitions, reviewing court documents, and interviewing witnesses to determine whether officials have breached judicial rules.
Disciplinary actions may include demotions, suspensions, dismissal, deferment of promotion, salary deductions, or warnings, depending on the severity of the misconduct. By sanctioning erring officers, the Commission aims to restore public confidence in the judicial system and ensure fair administration of justice.
The Commission emphasized that discipline and integrity are critical for a functioning judiciary, warning that any officer found violating rules or engaging in corruption would face strict action.
“We are committed to ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done,” Ibrahim said.
