Kano Judicial Commission Sanctions Judges, Staff Over Misconduct

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has sanctioned several judicial officers and staff over misconduct, declaring its resolve to uphold “discipline, integrity and accountability within the judiciary.”

The decisions were reached at the Commission’s 89th meeting held on April 16, 2026, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Commission’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo Ibrahim.

Ibrahim said the Commission “adopted the recommendations of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee in respect of various petitions investigated.”

Among those affected is Mahmud Ahmed, a transport officer attached to the High Court of Justice Kano, who was found to have “acted outside his official duties, issued threats to members of the public and used the name of the Judiciary to intimidate individuals.” He was issued a strong warning and directed “to strictly confine himself to his assigned duties.”

In another case, Mallam Salisu Buhari Mandawari, a judge of the Upper Shari’a Court in Rogo, was found to have engaged in “acts amounting to demand and receipt of gratification” and also “failed to properly record court proceedings.” The Commission ordered his demotion by two grade levels and directed his recall from judicial duties “for a period of not less than three years with half salary.”

Similarly, Alkali Umar Sunusi Danbaba of the Upper Shari’a Court, Filin Hockey, was sanctioned after findings revealed “acts of bias, failure to properly record proceedings, improper handling of funds and other acts of impropriety.” He was also recalled from judicial duties “for a period of not less than three years,” with half salary for one year.

The Commission also found that Abdulbari Ado, a Finance Registrar, and Umar Abdulhamid, an Administrative Registrar, were involved in “the demand and receipt of gratification” in a case linked to the Upper Shari’a Court in Rogo. Both officers were demoted by two grade levels, placed on half salary for one year, and warned “to desist from any further misconduct.”

In another case, Sabiu Adam Inusa, Finance Registrar at the Upper Shari’a Court in Gwarzo, was found to have issued a receipt with discrepancies. While the error “was accepted as a mistake,” the Commission issued him a warning and directed that he be relieved of his position as Finance Registrar.

Meanwhile, the Commission approved the appointment of Hussaini Hassan Suleiman as the substantive Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice Kano State.

Reaffirming its stance, the Commission “reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct” and stressed that discipline, integrity and accountability “remain fundamental pillars of the judiciary.”