The Niger Judicial Service Commission has dismissed three senior staff members and demoted one by two grade levels for alleged misconduct, which violated provision 58 of the commission’s regulations.
In a statement issued in Minna on Monday by Hajiya Hauwa Isah, Secretary of the Commission, it was revealed that the dismissals and demotion were due to serious misconduct.
The dismissed staff include Mohammed Abubakar, Ahmed Usman, and Usman Isah, all from the High Court Division. Fatima Sambo was demoted by two grade levels. The misconduct included disobedience of lawful orders and absence from duty without leave or reasonable cause.
Abubakar, who holds the traditional title of “Galadima Raba Nupe,” was found guilty of not complying with lawful orders and being absent from duty since November 2023 without proper leave. He admitted to serving as a Personal Assistant to a traditional ruler during this period.
Ahmed Usman, a senior registrar at the probate department, was accused of gross misconduct and misappropriation of over ₦600,000. Usman Isah, a principal registrar at Magistrate Court 3, Minna, was found guilty of abandoning his post for over six months.
Fatima Sambo, a senior registrar at the probate department, was penalized for negligent conduct and misappropriation of probate funds.
The Commission, exercising its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), emphasized the seriousness of the misconduct and the need to maintain public trust and integrity in the judiciary.