Kwara judiciary sacks two registrars, demotes magistrate

The Kwara State Judicial Service Commission has taken decisive action against judicial officers, dismissing two court registrars and demoting a magistrate due to gross misconduct and negligence. The commission declared that corruption and the compromise of judicial processes will not be tolerated within the state's judiciary.

These resolutions were finalized during a commission meeting held on Wednesday. The commission also approved the implementation of cash backing for staff promotions, confirmed a senior appointment, and sanctioned a transfer of service. The promotion cash backing, due for January 2025, July 2025, and January 2026, will be financially implemented starting this month, underscoring the commission's commitment to staff welfare and career progression.

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The Commission approved the immediate implementation of cash-backing for the promotion of staff due for elevation between January 2025, July 2025 and January 2026. The approved cash-backing will take effect this month, July 2026. This decision underscores the commitment of the Commission to staff welfare and timely career progression.

Among those sanctioned was Magistrate Imam A.A., demoted from Grade Level 13 to Grade Level 12 for negligence in handling a culpable homicide case. The commission found that the magistrate failed to adequately supervise the bail perfection process. This oversight allegedly allowed a registrar to compromise the procedure after receiving N200,000 from the defendant's relatives, arranging proxy sureties, and facilitating the suspect's fraudulent release.

The situation escalated when the defendant, after being released, was reportedly involved in another murder. This led to a petition from the Kwara State Commissioner of Police to the commission. A subsequent committee investigation found the magistrate culpable of negligence in supervisory oversight. Additionally, Mr. Saadullahi Shuaib, a Grade Level 10 registrar at the Chief Magistrate Court, Sango, was dismissed for gross misconduct, including collecting money from a defendant's relatives for bail and failing to properly document the process.

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Following the defendant’s alleged commission of another murder, a petition was lodged by the State Commissioner of Police. A Committee set up by the Commission found the Magistrate culpable of negligence in supervisory oversight.