Kano State Govt Sends Judge On Retirement Over Bribery Scandal

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has retired Hudu Idris, a Registrar at the Upper Shari’a Court in Gwarzo for taking bribes.

Prior to his immediate retirement, he was also degraded by one grade level. Furthermore, Bala Gwarzo, a casual watchman at the same court, has had his contract with the JSC canceled with immediate effect.

On February 6, 2025, the Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, presided over the 79th meeting of the JSC, when this ruling was one of the major resolutions made.

Spokesman Baba Ibrahim said in a statement on Monday that the measures came after a careful examination of a petition submitted by a man named Alhaji Sani Gado. Idris and Bala Gwarzo were both charged with bribery and intimidation in the petition.

“Following a thorough investigation, both individuals appeared before the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC) and admitted their involvement in corrupt practices amounting to N214,000,” the statement read.

The Kano State JSC emphasized its firm stance against corruption and misconduct within the judiciary.

“In line with its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission adopted the recommendations of the JPCC and took the following actions,” the statement continued.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding discipline and public confidence in the legal system, as well as its zero-tolerance stance.

The suspensions of three judges—Bilya Abdullahi, Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil, and Ismaila Garba—due to accusations of creating a court reversal order were considered by the Commission during the same meeting.

A complaint from a Muzdalifa started the case, which the JPCC looked into before sending it to the police. But once the Director of Public Prosecution reviewed the case, it was determined that there wasn’t enough evidence to bring charges against the cops. As a result, the JSC immediately lifted their suspensions.

“In light of these findings, the Commission resolved to lift the suspension of the aforementioned officers with immediate effect, while Bilya Abdullahi has been issued a strong warning to desist from illegal and unethical actions, which will not be condoned by the Commission,” Baba Jibo stated.