The Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission has compulsorily retired Shari’a Court Judge Sadisu Muhammad-Haruna after finding him guilty of corruption and abuse of office.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Dutse by the commission’s Director of Protocol and Publicity, Abba Wangara. The decision followed a petition submitted by Abdullahi Hamza and a subsequent investigation into allegations against the judge.
According to the commission, Muhammad-Haruna demanded and collected unauthorized fees from the petitioner, a violation of the Jigawa Shari’a Court Civil Procedure Rules (2012). Additionally, he ordered the petitioner’s illegal detention, an act deemed a serious breach of judicial ethics and a clear abuse of office.
“This extortion, coupled with the unlawful detention of the petitioner, represents a gross violation of judicial ethics and an abuse of office,” the statement read. The commission emphasized that the compulsory retirement serves as a strong warning against corruption and misconduct within the judiciary.
In a positive move alongside disciplinary action, the commission promoted over 80 staff members across various levels to recognize diligence and boost morale. Several senior officers were also appointed to key positions in the state Shari’a Court of Appeal, including:
- Aliyu Muhammad – Deputy Chief Registrar I (Administration)
- Abdulrashid Alhassan – Deputy Chief Registrar II (Litigation)
- Isma’il Sani – Chief Inspector, Shari’a Courts
- Umar Malam – Director, Planning, Research and Statistics
- Muhammad Lawan – Director, Personnel Management
- Kabiru Isyaku – Deputy Chief Inspector
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to sanitizing the judiciary and ensuring all officers execute their duties in strict accordance with the law and established regulations.