The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama indefinitely following allegations that she ordered money to be transferred from a frozen bank account into her personal account.
Makama is one of three judicial officials sanctioned by the JSC following investigations into misconduct. Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir was suspended for one year for ‘judicial recklessness’ in handling a case, and Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir received a warning and a one-year promotion deferral for directing court fees to his personal account.
According to a statement issued on Monday, by the JSC spokesperson, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, the commission took action based on the findings of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) which investigated petitions filed against Makama.
“The Kano State Judicial Service Commission at it’s 72nd meeting held on the 11th June 2024, has taken disciplinary actions against Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, magistrate Court No 29, Senior Magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir, magistrate Court No 48 and Senior Registrar Abdu Nasir of Appeal section, High Court Kano.
“Sequel to the findings of the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) in respect to three petitions filed and investigated against Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama, the commission has adopted the recommendations of the JPCC.
“The JPCC conducted a thorough investigation on the matters and equally examined the chief magistrate’s response came up with the findings that her actions amounts to gross misconduct.
“She made an order to GT Bank to transfer money in the petitioner’s account already frozen, into her personal account which she clearly admitted in her response,” the official statement read.
The statement added: “Chief Magistrate Talatu Makama is recalled from the bench and relieved of all judicial duties (indefinite suspension) effective immediately.”
Abdulkadir’s one-year suspension stems from her handling of a case between the Commissioner of Police and Abubakar Salisu. The JSC deemed her actions ‘judicial recklessness.’
“Following the review of the circumstance surrounding the handling of the case between Commissioner of Police Vs Abubakar Salisu, by Rabi Abdulkadir, Senior Magistrate Court No. 48, the Commission found the actions of the Senior Magistrate to amount to judicial recklessness and therefore the Commission has resolved to recall the Magistrate and relieved her from judicial duties for a period of one calendar year. She has been instructed to cease all duties at Magistrate Court No. 48,” the spokesperson stated.
Nasir, a Senior Registrar with the Kano High Court Appeals Department, was found to have received court fees in his personal account. While not suspended, he received a stern warning and a delayed promotion.
“The report confirmed that Abdu Nasir received payments of fees meant for court records into his personal account, which constitutes serious misconduct.
“Consequently, the commission issued a strong warning to Abdu Nasir and also deferred his promotion for one year,” Jibo-Ibrahim said.
A separate investigation into Chief Magistrate Tijjani Saleh Minjibir resulted in a one-year suspension for ‘serious misconduct and judicial recklessness.’ The details of Minjibir’s case were not disclosed.
“The commission also at its 73rd meeting held on 20th June 2024, deliberated on the petitions received against chief magistrate court 60 manned by Tijjani Saleh Minjibir. The responses to the queries issued were found unsatisfactory.
“The commission viewed the actions of the chief magistrate to amount to serious misconduct and judicial recklessness and unanimously took the decision to recall Tijjani Saleh Minjibir from judicial duties for a period of one year effective immediately. He is to cease all judicial activities and report to the High Court Headquarters for posting,” the JSC added.
The JSC emphasized its commitment to upholding judicial integrity and public trust.
“These disciplinary actions underscore the Judicial Service Commission’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of judicial conduct and ensuring the integrity of the legal system,” the commission said in a statement.