Kano JSC retires one, sanctions five other Court registrars over conspiracy, extortion

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken disciplinary action against six court registrars who were found lacking in their responsibilities in an effort to ensure transparency and fairness in the judiciary.

This was announced in a statement signed by the Kano State Judiciary spokesperson, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, a copy of which was made available to the press on Friday in Kano.

According to the statement, “In its 74th meeting held on July 22, 2024, the commission took disciplinary action against six court staff.”

Ibrahim further explained that the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee (JPCC) investigated a petition against two court registrars, Mustapha Makama (Registrar C.M.C. 27) and Yusuf Muhammad Yakasai (Registrar C.M.C. 14 Gyadi-Gyadi). The petition alleged that the registrars conspired and extorted N130,000 from the petitioner under the pretense of releasing a suspect on bail, which was found to be false.

He added that the committee concluded that their actions constituted extortion and conspiracy involving the unlawful receipt of funds.

Ibrahim also stated that, based on the JPCC’s recommendations, the Judicial Service Commission has directed Mustapha Makama to proceed on compulsory retirement, as he was deemed unfit to continue in the judiciary.

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Yusuf Muhammad Yakasai, who was found to be an accessory to the misconduct, has been demoted by one grade level.

In addition, the JPCC investigated a petition against a syndicate consisting of Salisu Ado (Secretary at the High Court Complex Bompai), Bilya Abdullahi (Senior Registrar at High Court No. 9), Ismail Garba, and Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil (Court Registrars). The investigation revealed that their actions amounted to conspiracy, forgery, and cheating through the issuance of a forged bank reversal court order and the forgery of a magistrate’s signature. The Judicial Service Commission, acting on the JPCC’s recommendations, has suspended the aforementioned staff with immediate effect.

He concluded by stating, “The commission will continue to apply appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those entrusted with judicial responsibilities, in order to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain public confidence.”