Alleged Misconduct: Niger Judicial Commission Sacks 3 Officers, Demotes One

The Niger State Judicial Service Commission has dismissed three senior staff members and demoted one for alleged misconduct. This was disclosed in a statement by the commission’s Secretary, Hajiya Hauwa Isah, on Monday in Minna.

The affected staff members are Mohammed Abubakar, Ahmed Usman, and Usman Isah, all from the High Court Division. Additionally, Fatima Sambo was demoted by two grade levels.

According to Isah, the dismissals were based on acts of serious misconduct, which violated Section 58 of the commission’s regulations.

Mohammed Abubakar, a traditional titleholder of “Galadima Raba Nupe,” was found guilty of disobedience to lawful orders under regulations 58 (1)(1)(III) and (V), after refusing a transfer and being absent from duty since November 2023 without official leave or reasonable cause.

The commission’s decision came following its 143rd emergency meeting, where the disciplinary powers under the amended 1999 Constitution were exercised.

Isah noted that Ahmed Usman, a senior registrar in the probate department, was dismissed for gross misconduct and misappropriating over N600,000, violating regulations 58 (1)(III), (V), and (VI).

Usman Isah, a principal registrar attached to Magistrate Court 3, Minna, was dismissed for being absent from duty for over six months without permission, violating regulation 58 (1)(III).

Fatima Sambo, a senior registrar in the probate department, was found guilty of negligent conduct and misappropriation of probate funds, leading to her demotion by two grade levels.

Isah emphasized that the commission is committed to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining public trust by enforcing appropriate sanctions against erring staff.