Kano sanctions six court registrars for forgery, extortion

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has sanctioned six court registrars for various misconduct, including forgery and extortion.

A statement on Friday by the commission’s spokesman, Baba Jibo, said the decision was taken at the commission’s 74th meeting held on July 22, 2024.

According to Jibo, the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee investigated a petition brought against two court registrars, Mustapha Makama and Yusuf Yakasai, who reportedly conspired and extorted N130,000 from the petitioner under the pretence of releasing a suspect on bail which turned out to be false.

“The committee found that their actions amounted to extortion and conspiracy involving unlawful receipt of funds,” the statement read.

Makama was directed to proceed on compulsory retirement having been found not to be fit and proper to continue in the service of the judiciary, while Yakasai, who is an accessory to the misconduct, has been demoted by one grade level.

Similarly, the JPCC also investigated a petition against a syndicate in person of Salisu Ado (Secretary at High Court Complex Bompai), Bilya Abdullahi (Senior Registrar High Court No. 9), Ismail Garba and Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil (Court Registrars) and found their action amounting to conspiracy, forgery and cheating by issuance of forged bank reversal court order and also forging the signature of a magistrate.

“The Judicial Service Commission upon adoption of the recommendation of the JPCC has suspended the above-mentioned staff immediately,” the statement added.

The statement said the commission will continue to apply the appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those saddled with judicial responsibilities, in order to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and maintain public confidence