Niger State Judicial Service Commission Dismisses Three Officials, Demotes Another For Misconduct
The Niger State Judicial Service Commission (NSJSC) has dismissed three judiciary officials and demoted another due to allegations of serious misconduct. The dismissals and demotion were announced in a statement by the NSJSC Secretary, Hajiya Hauwa Kulu Isah, which was made available to the press in Minna.
The dismissed officials are Mohammed Abubakar, Ahmed Usman, and Usman Isah, while Fatima Sambo has been demoted by two grade levels. The decision was made following findings of violations under Regulation 58 of the Commission’s regulations.
One of the dismissed officials, Mohammed Abubakar, who holds the traditional title of Galadiman Raba Nupe, was found guilty of disobedience to lawful orders, including refusal to proceed on a transfer and being absent from duty since November 2023 without authorized leave or reasonable cause. Abubakar admitted in his response to the Commission’s query that he had been serving as a personal assistant to a traditional ruler for several years.
The NSJSC exercised its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) during its 143rd emergency meeting held on August 22, 2024. The Commission’s actions were taken under the provisions of Regulations 72 and 73 of the 2018 Commission’s Regulations.
Ahmed Usman, a senior registrar in the probate department, was dismissed after an investigation revealed he had misappropriated over N600,000, an act considered gross misconduct under Regulation 58. Usman Isah, a principal registrar attached to Magistrate Court 3 in Minna, was found guilty of being absent from duty for over six months without leave or reasonable cause.
Fatima Sambo, another senior registrar in the probate department, was demoted due to negligent conduct and the misappropriation of probate funds.
The NSJSC emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary by enforcing strict disciplinary measures against any staff found guilty of misconduct, thereby maintaining public confidence in the judicial system.
