Kano demotes judge, dismisses others over financial misconduct

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has demoted Shamsu Maul’ainaini, a judge of the Upper Shari’a Court, Durbunde, after finding him guilty of financial misconduct and corruption in a case before him.

In a statement by the Judiciary spokesperson, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, the commission said Maul’ainaini was demoted to the registrar cadre by one grade level and warned against tampering with case files.

The JSC also condemned the conduct of a retired Upper Shari’a Court judge, Munzali Tanko, who allegedly continued to preside over judicial proceedings nine days after retirement — describing his actions as unethical and damaging to the judiciary’s image.

At its 86th meeting, the commission also approved disciplinary actions against several judicial officers and staff found guilty of misconduct.

A Principal Registrar, Isa Yuguda Wudilawa, was demoted from Grade Level 12 to 10 for diverting official funds into his personal account, while Alkali Ibrahim Isah Usman, Presiding Judge of the Bebeji Shari’a Court, was issued a strong warning and had his promotion deferred for one year for executing judgment before the statutory 30-day appeal period elapsed.

Similarly, Ibrahim Salim, Clerk of the Upper Shari’a Court, Rijiyar Lemo, was dismissed for forgery, falsification of court records, and bribery.

The commission commended Alkali Ali Jibrin Danzaki, Presiding Judge of the same court, for exposing his clerk’s misconduct, describing his action as “honest, courageous, and worthy of emulation.”

Reaffirming its commitment to discipline and transparency, the commission warned that any form of judicial misconduct would be met with strict sanctions.