Kwara Judicial Service Commission Dismisses Court Officer, Demotes Two Others

The Kwara State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken decisive disciplinary actions against three officers of the State High Court for various acts of misconduct, including dismissal and demotions.

In a statement released by the Media and Information Unit of the Kwara State High Court of Justice on Wednesday, the JSC announced the dismissal of Mrs. Bello Mopelola Fareeda and the demotion of two senior officers, Mr. Sambo Aliyu and Mrs. Rahmat Jaji.

Mrs. Fareeda was dismissed following allegations of serious misconduct, including absenteeism and drawing double salaries from both the Kwara State Judiciary and the National Assembly.

The JSC revealed that Fareeda, while employed as a Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, failed to fulfill her duties at Hon. Justice F.D. Lawal’s court, violating Regulation 42(1) of the Judicial Service Commission Regulation 1980.

Additionally, Fareeda’s resignation letter, submitted on November 7, 2024, was deemed invalid as it was under review during the pending disciplinary process.

The JSC further ordered Fareeda to repay ₦1,461,900.40, representing salaries and emoluments unlawfully received from June 2023 to September 2024, into the High Court of Justice account.

The JSC also demoted two senior officers for misconduct during altercations related to the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) election:

• Mr. Sambo Aliyu Rani: Aliyu was involved in a heated dispute with a colleague, Mr. Lawal Oredola Rafiu, over the JUSUN chairmanship election, leading to an alleged attempt to run Rafiu over with his car within the court premises.
• Mrs. Rahmat Jaji: Jaji was found guilty of physically attacking a colleague, Bamigboye Aderonke, after being offended by a comment related to Aliyu.

Both officers, previously ranked as Principal Administrative Officers I (GL. 12), were demoted to Principal Administrative Officers II (GL. 10), effective January 1, 2025. The JSC cited Regulation 43(d) of its disciplinary code as the basis for the penalty, considering it a compassionate alternative to outright dismissal.

The Media and Protocol Officer of the Kwara State High Court, Jide Ogundele, confirmed the disciplinary measures, stating, “Everything outlined in the statement is accurate.”

The JSC emphasised that the actions taken underscore its commitment to maintaining professionalism, discipline, and integrity within the judiciary.