Kano judiciary sacks Sharia court judge, suspends others over misconduct

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has initiated significant disciplinary actions, including compulsory retirement, against a Sharia court judge and the Acting Director of Information and Statistics at the Shari’a Court of Appeal. These measures were taken following findings of bribery and corruption by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee, aiming to uphold integrity within the justice system.

Aliyu Muhammad, the Presiding Judge of the Shari’a Court in Babeji, has been directed to retire immediately after allegations of bribery and corruption were established in connection with a specific lawsuit. The commission also mandated that he refund ₦250,000 received as gratification. Additionally, the court clerk for the same Shari’a Court, Ibrahim Ibrahim, was suspended without pay for four months after admitting to receiving a portion of the bribe money in the aforementioned case.

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The Kano State Judicial Service Commission, at its 90th meeting held on 3rd July, 2026, under the chairmanship of the chief Judge of Kano State, considered reports and recommendations of the Establishment Committee and the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee on petitions and disciplinary matters involving Sharia Court Judges and staff of the Kano State Judiciary.

Further disciplinary actions were taken against Muzambilu Ado, the Acting Director of Information and Statistics, who was also ordered into compulsory retirement due to serious irregularities in his academic credentials. This included evidence of altered academic records and an unauthorized admission to the Nigerian Law School. The commission also demoted Usman Haruna Usman, Presiding Judge of the Upper Shari’a Court in Goron Dutse, by one grade level for negligence. He allowed estate property sale proceeds to be deposited into a court official's personal account, risking misappropriation of litigants' funds. Usman also faces a one-year recall from judicial duties and a stern warning.

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After careful deliberation, the Commission approved a number of disciplinary measures in line with its constitutional mandate to uphold integrity, accountability and public confidence in the administration of justice.