Niger State Judicial Service Commission Dismisses Three Court Officials for Gross Misconduct

The Niger State Judicial Service Commission has dismissed two judges and a senior court registrar over allegations of gross misconduct, in a move the commission described as necessary to uphold judicial integrity and accountability within the state’s legal system.

A statement released by the Commission’s Secretary, Hauwa Kulu Isah, revealed that the disciplinary actions followed extensive deliberations on findings presented by independent investigation committees established to probe various petitions of abuse of judicial powers and misconduct.

Among those dismissed is Chief Magistrate Isaac Yisa of the Chief Magistrate Court, Kontagora, alongside Muhammad Alhaji Ahmed, the Court Registrar. The duo was found guilty of serious misconduct, including receiving gratification from litigants to grant bail, issuing bail without following due legal procedures, and failing to maintain proper court records.

Registrar Muhammad Alhaji Ahmed was specifically indicted for soliciting and receiving ₦10,000 through his personal bank account to process a bail bond and production warrant for the release of a detainee.

Also dismissed was Hon. Fatihu Hassan, a judge of the Upper Sharia Court in Wushishi, for receiving ₦800,000 in a land dispute case before him. The Commission found that he not only accepted the bribe but also failed to deliver a ruling on the matter—violating his duty as a judicial officer.

The dismissals were carried out under Section 61 of the Niger State Judicial Service Regulations 2018.

In a related action, the Commission compulsorily retired Ramatu Suleiman, Registrar of the Sharia Court, Bida, for a conflict of interest and breach of civil service regulations. She was found to have been concurrently employed as a coordinator for the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) while still in active service—an act that violates Section 58(1)V of the Commission’s 2018 regulations.

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Additionally, during its 151st meeting held on July 1, 2025, the Commission took further disciplinary actions against four other judicial staff: Sadiq Samaila of Magistrate Court 2, Kontagora; Hon. Idris Alhaji Idris of the Sharia Court, Lapai; a senior registrar; and a court clerk. Each was sanctioned based on the recommendations of the Commission’s investigation committee.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, discipline, and professionalism within the judicial service of Niger State.