Kano Judiciary Sanctions Court Officials for Forgery, Absenteeism, and Ethical Violations

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary action against several judicial officers over allegations ranging from forgery to absenteeism and misconduct, signaling a clampdown on unethical practices within the state’s judiciary.

In a statement released on Sunday, July 21, 2025, by the judiciary’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, the Commission confirmed that the sanctions were approved during its 84th meeting held on Friday, July 18.

Among those punished is Adamu Salisu, a High Court registrar found guilty of forging affidavits, falsifying the signature of a court bailiff, and impersonating a Commissioner for Oaths. Investigations by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission led to his demotion from Grade Level 13 to 12 and removal from his position. Salisu also received a formal warning after admitting guilt.

Also sanctioned was Yusuf Ayuba, a clerical assistant at High Court No. 8, who was demoted from Grade Level 5 to 4 for abandoning his post for four consecutive months without justification. His case was investigated by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC).

“These disciplinary measures are meant to deter misconduct and reinforce our commitment to accountability and professionalism across all cadres of the judiciary,” Ibrahim said.

The crackdown follows a series of similar actions in recent months. In April, Ibrahim Adamu, a Principal Registrar II, was suspended for six months without pay and had his promotion delayed due to verbal assault and attempted physical confrontation with a superior misconduct the Commission described as habitual.

Likewise, Maigida Lawan, a Principal Registrar at the Sharia Court of Appeal, was demoted and suspended for six months for soliciting and receiving illegal gratifications. In another case, Salisu Sule, a court registrar, was disciplined after four substantiated complaints involving intimidation, insults, and misuse of judicial authority.

In the most severe case, Principal Registrar Ahmad Aliyu Danmaraya was forced into immediate retirement after the JPCC found him guilty of forging court documents and unlawfully using court seals and stamps despite not being authorized as a Commissioner for Oaths.

The series of sanctions underscores the judiciary’s growing resolve to clean up the system amid increasing public scrutiny and calls for institutional reform. Ibrahim reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline, warning that misconduct at any level would attract strict consequences.