Cross River Judicial Commission Suspends Four Judicial Officers Over Alleged Misconduct

The Cross River State Judicial Service Commission has suspended four magistrates and several judicial staff over allegations of misconduct, corruption, and judicial malpractice.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission’s Secretary, Peter Ene, named the suspended magistrates as Ushie Ushang (Port Court, Calabar), Gabriel Ebebe (Chief Magistrate Court, Edor and Ikom), Gabriel Agana (Chief Magistrates Court, Effraya, Ikom), and Shadrach Orji (Chief Magistrates Court 1, Ogoja).

According to the statement, the magistrates were found guilty of offenses including corruption, falsification of records, incompetence, drunkenness, and dereliction of duty. All four were suspended without pay, while two additional magistrates received stern warnings.

Three judicial staff members were also suspended without pay, and a Chief Bailiff was issued a warning letter.

The Commission instructed the affected magistrates to hand over pending cases to their respective court registrars, with the Calabar magistrate directed to transfer files to the administrative chief magistrate.

The disciplinary measures align with Section 3, Rule 03305 of the Cross River Public Service Rules (2004). Mr. Ene emphasized the Commission’s commitment to upholding integrity in judicial services.

“The Commission will not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against any erring staff, particularly those tasked with judicial responsibilities. This ensures the integrity and accountability of the judicial system and sustains public confidence,” Mr. Ene stated.