The Borno State Judicial Service Commission has sanctioned a magistrate for gross misconduct while also approving the promotion of 97 judiciary staff members across various grades.
In a statement released yesterday in Maiduguri, the acting secretary of the commission, Saleh Khala Jidda, confirmed that Magistrate Yusuf Garba, who served at Chief Magistrate Court 4 in Wulari, Maiduguri, was found guilty of misdirecting government revenue amounting to ₦100,000.
According to Jidda, an investigation conducted by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee revealed that Garba diverted the funds in question, thereby violating the ethical standards expected of judicial officers. Following the findings, the commission resolved to remove him from the post of Magistrate and directed him to report to the Chief Registrar for reassignment to a position within the Registry Cadre.
“The Judicial Service Commission will not condone acts of corruption within the judiciary,” Jidda stressed. “In this case, the magistrate misdirected government revenue of ₦100,000, and the appropriate disciplinary measures have been taken.”
While taking disciplinary action against the erring magistrate, the commission also rewarded diligence and dedication within its workforce by approving the promotion of 97 staff members. These include the elevation of two Senior Magistrates to the rank of Chief Magistrate, Grade II, ten Magistrates Grade I to Senior Magistrates Grade II, and eleven Principal Registrars II to Principal Registrars I.
Jidda reiterated the commission’s commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and integrity in the state’s judicial system. He emphasised that the body will continue to punish corrupt officials while recognising and promoting those who demonstrate honesty and hard work.
The commission further encouraged members of the public to report any corrupt practices by judiciary staff, noting that such collaborative vigilance would help safeguard the credibility of the justice system.
“This development is a clear demonstration of our resolve to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within the Borno State judiciary,” Jidda concluded.