By Bashir Bello

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has sacked a Clerk with the Upper Shari’a Court, Rijiyar Lemo, Salim Umar, and demoted two others: a presiding judge of the Upper Shari’a Court, Durbunde, Alkali Shamsu Maul’ainaini, and a principal registrar with the Magistrate Court, Zungeru Complex, Isa Yuguda Wudilawa, over allegations of gross misconduct.

The Commission, in a statement by its Spokesperson, Kano State Judiciary, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, said the disciplinary action followed recommendations by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which carried out investigations into petitions and complaints leveled against judicial officers.

Ibrahim said the court clerk was dismissed in connection with forgery, falsification of court records, and demanding bribes from litigants, while the duo of Alkali Shamsu Maul’ainaini and a principal registrar, Isa Yuguda Wudilawa, were demoted for financial impropriety.

According to the statement, “The Kano State Judicial Service Commission, at its 86th meeting held on 30th October 2025, approved several disciplinary measures and administrative actions in line with its commitment to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability within the judiciary. The Commission adopted the recommendations of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) following investigations into petitions and complaints against certain judicial officers and court staff.

“Isa Yuguda Wudilawa, a Principal Registrar attached to the Magistrate Court, Zungeru Complex, was found to have collected money for official purposes into his personal account, an act of misconduct and violation of financial procedure and public service ethics. The Commission, in line with the committee’s recommendation, demoted him by one grade level, from Grade Level 12 to Grade Level 10, in accordance with Section 04305 of the Kano State Civil Service Rules and Regulation 41(d) of the Kano State Judicial Service Regulations, 1980.

“Alkali Shamsu Maul’ainaini of Upper Shari’a Court Durbunde was found to have committed financial impropriety and other misconduct. The Judiciary Public Complaint Committee’s recommendation was adopted by the Commission, and he was relieved from performing judicial duties, demoted to the registrar cadre by one grade level, and strongly warned for removing court records and acting contrary to Circular No. 2 of 2021 on territorial jurisdiction.

“Alkali Ibrahim Isah Usman, Presiding Judge of Bebeji Shari’a Court, was found to have proceeded with execution of judgment before the expiration of the statutory thirty-day right of the appeal period. His explanation was found unsatisfactory. He was issued a strong warning and his promotion deferred for one year.

“Ibrahim Salim, Clerk of the Upper Shari’a Court Rijiyar Lemo, was found of committing forgery, falsification of court records and demanding bribes from litigants. His actions were found by the committee to be gross misconduct. Accordingly, the Commission approved the recommendation of the JPCC and he was dismissed from the service of the Kano State Judiciary,” it reads.

The Commission further commended Presiding Judge of Upper Shari’a Court Rijiyar Lemo, Alkali Ali Jibrin Danzakifor his honesty, integrity and courage in exposing and reporting the misconduct of his clerk, noting that “his conduct is exemplary and worthy of emulation. The Judicial Service Commission has issued him a Commendation letter.

“In a separate case, Alkali Munzali Tanko (Rtd.), formerly of Upper Shari’a Court Post Office, was found to have conducted judicial proceedings nine days after his retirement, a highly unethical and dishonest act. The Commission strongly condemned his conduct, describing it as shameful and detrimental to the judiciary’s image. It further directed that his improper actions be made public to serve as a warning to others.

“His Worship Halima A. B. Wali, a Magistrate, was strongly warned to ensure that her judgments and orders strictly comply with the law, after her failure to follow due procedure in the  criminal case of Commissioner of Police vs Ashiru Me’wushirya.

“His Worship Abdul’aziz M. Habib was found to have entertained matters in disregard of official circulars. While his conduct was deemed inappropriate, the Commission noted his remorse and assurance of future compliance. He was placed on half salary for three months as part of disciplinary measures, and a strong warning was issued to him.

“The Commission reaffirmed its utmost commitment to upholding discipline, transparency, and ethical standards within the judiciary. It emphasized that misconduct at any level would  not be condoned and any staff  found wanting will face appropriate disciplinary measures,” the statement, however, reads.

Time.i.ng

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