The Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, has approved the appointment of seven magistrates and upgraded seven Lower Sharia Court judges to the position of Upper Sharia Court judges.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Secretary of the commission, Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma, announced the names of the newly appointed magistrates as Sadiq Mohammed Abubakar (Chief Magistrate II), Aminu Umar (Chief Magistrate II), Sani Maigari Isah (Senior Magistrate), Bintu Umar Mustapha (Senior Magistrate I), Abdullahi Adamu Sarki, Ha’inatu Ahmed and Mohammed Sani Yakubu (Senior Magistrate I).
Also announced were judges promoted from Lower to Upper Sharia Court positions, including Hafizu A. Nuhu, Abdullahi Tijjarni, Umar Zakari Yakubu, Dr. A.S. Adam Bello, Nuhu Idris Mohammed, Isa Mohammed Bauchi, and Ibrahim Ibrahim Water.
The statement also revealed disciplinary actions taken against five staff members including Rabiu Idris Shall, Principal Registrar, who was dismissed for various offenses, including willful absenteeism, misconduct, and failure to follow lawful instructions, all in violation of the Bauchi State Public Service Regulations, 2023.
The JSC also approved the compulsory retirement of Saleh Ahmed Fanti, Chief Magistrate of Darazo Magistrate Court, for gross misconduct and failure to deliver judgments within the statutory period.
Furthermore, the commission removed Hamza Mato Zungur from his position as an Upper Sharia Court judge, converting him to the registrar cadre due to misconduct related to tampering with case matters.
Similarly, Mukhtar Muhammad Bello (Sharia Court Judge, Gadau) and Mohammed Ismail (Upper Sharia Court Judge, Gumau) received warning letters, and their promotions deferred by one year.
The Bauchi JSC emphasised its commitment to ensuring that the judiciary operates with integrity and efficiency, focusing on justice and public service.