Kano Judiciary Wields the Big Stick, Retires Shari’a Judge Over Bribery, Sanctions Others
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has wielded the big stick against erring judicial officers and court personnel, compulsorily retiring a Shari’a Court judge over bribery while sanctioning several others for misconduct, negligence and related offences.
The far-reaching disciplinary measures were taken during the Commission’s 90th meeting held on July 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Judge of Kano State, following the consideration of reports submitted by the Establishment Committee and the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee on allegations of misconduct, corruption and negligence within the state’s judiciary.
The Commission compulsorily retired Alkali Aliyu Yahaya Muhammad, Presiding Judge of the Shari’a Court, Babeji, after finding him guilty of bribery and corruption in connection with a civil suit. It also directed him to refund ₦250,000, being money received as gratification.
In a related decision, Ibrahim Ahmad Ibrahim, a court clerk attached to the same court, was suspended without pay for four months after admitting that he shared in the bribe received in the case.
The Commission also ordered the compulsory retirement of Muzambilu Ado, Acting Director of Information and Statistics at the Shari’a Court of Appeal, over irregularities relating to his academic records and admission into the Nigerian Law School.
Also sanctioned was Alkali Usman Haruna Usman, Presiding Judge of the Upper Shari’a Court, Goron Dutse, who was demoted by one grade level for negligence after permitting proceeds from the sale of an estate to be paid into the personal account of a court official.
He was additionally issued a strong warning, while the Commission ratified his earlier recall from judicial duties.
Similarly, Alkali Abdullahi Wayya of the Upper Shari’a Court, Kasuwa, received a warning for negligence in supervising a bail process that resulted in the improper release of a defendant.
The Commission further referred Inspector Shehu Adamu to the Commissioner of Police for investigation over allegations that he misled the court on bail conditions.
Two court registrars, Salmanu Zubairu and Ahmad Kabir, are also to face further investigation over their roles in processing bail documents.
In another development, the Commission reviewed its earlier decision concerning Hon. Alkali Umar Sunusi Danbaba (PhD) and lifted his recall from judicial duties after fresh documents showed that the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee had not recommended such action.
He has consequently been restored to his judicial responsibilities, full salary and other entitlements.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kano State Judicial Service Commission, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, who said the Commission remained committed to upholding integrity, accountability and discipline within the judiciary.
According to the statement, “The Commission reaffirmed that misconduct, corruption, negligence and abuse of office will not be tolerated in the Kano State Judiciary, warning that any judicial officer or staff found wanting will be made to face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law and the rules governing the service.”
