Bauchi State Appoints New Magistrates, Elevates Upper Sharia Court Judges

The Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has approved the appointment of seven new magistrates and elevated seven judges from the Lower Sharia Court to the Upper Sharia Court.

In a statement released on Monday, Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma, Secretary of the commission, announced the newly appointed magistrates as Sadiq Mohammed Abubakar (Chief Magistrate II), Aminu Umar (Chief Magistrate II), Sani Maigari Isah (Senior Magistrate), Bintu Umar Mustapha (Senior Magistrate I), Abdullahi Adamu Sarki, Ha’inatu Ahmed, and Mohammed Sani Yakubu (Senior Magistrate I).

The newly promoted Upper Sharia Court judges include Hafizu A. Nuhu, Abdullahi Tijjani, Umar Zakari Yakubu, Dr. A.S. Adam Bello, Nuhu Idris Mohammed, Isa Mohammed Bauchi, and Ibrahim Ibrahim Water.

The statement also outlined disciplinary actions taken against five judicial staff members. Rabiu Idris Shall, Principal Registrar, was dismissed for offenses including willful absenteeism, misconduct, and failure to follow lawful instructions, in violation of the Bauchi State Public Service Regulations, 2023.

The commission also approved the compulsory retirement of Saleh Ahmed Fanti, Chief Magistrate of Darazo Magistrate Court, for gross misconduct and failure to deliver judgments within the required statutory period.

Additionally, Hamza Mato Zungur, formerly an Upper Sharia Court judge, was demoted to the registrar cadre due to misconduct involving case tampering. Sharia Court Judge Mukhtar Muhammad Bello (Gadau) and Upper Sharia Court Judge Mohammed Ismail (Gumau) received warning letters, with their promotions deferred by one year.

The Bauchi JSC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining integrity and efficiency within the judiciary, ensuring that justice is served and public trust upheld.