Niger judiciary fires 32 corrupt officials, retire 32 others

The Niger State Judicial service Commission (JSC) has dismissed thirty two staff of the state Judiciary for their alleged involvement in corrupt related cases.

The Chief Judge of Niger State Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik who disclosed this also revealed that thirty two others retired from the Service while one other person got his appointment terminated.

She stated this at the Special court session to mark the 2023 Legal Year which took place at the High court complex in Minna recently.

Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik explained that that the JSC’s decision of sactioning the dismissed staff were taken after a thorough investigations were conducted and they were found wanting.

According to the Chief Judge, the decisions of their dismisal were taken after thorough investigations in which the affected staff were accorded fair hearing, adding that many of the dismissed staff were all involved in corruption and corrupt practices.

She stated that with their dismisal, a strong message has been passed to those who may want to indulge in such unwholesome practices

She pointed out that in the year under review, two judges of the High court and two Khadis of the Shari’a Court of Appeals were appointed stating that the State Judiciary has the capacity to engage twenty Judges and ten Khadis.

She announced that an approval was given by the National Judicial Council to commence process for the appointment of four High Court Judges and one Khadis, adding that “we intend to apply to the National Judicial Council (NJC), for more in due course”

The Chief Judge reminded governor Umar Mohammed Bago about the revalidated memo sent to his office for the employment of certain categories of staff in the judiciary which according to her include ICT personnel, Bailiffs, interpreters, security men and messengers.

Speaking further, Justice Abdulmalik stressed that in order to encourage optimal performance, the Judiciary under her leadership has introduced reward system mechanism, whereby we honor and recognize merit.

“To this end, persons with exceptional performance in the promotional examination, or in the conduct and discharge of their official duties and those with long unblemished records of service were recognized and rewarded. We intend to sustain the practice” she assured.

Speaking earlier, the Attorney general and Commissioner for Justice in Niger state, Barrister Nasiru Muazu requested for the commitment of critical stakeholders in Justice system to always commit themselves to the pursuit of Justice, fairness and the rule of law

Reminding that Justice is not a mere concept, ” but it is a living, breathing reality that affects the lives of individuals and the stability of our society.

“Our legal system stands as a guardian of Humanriggts , a bulwark against injustice and a beacon of hope for those seeking redress.” he noted.

The Attorney General, observed that delays in the legal process continue to be a significant challenges noting that despite the Administration of Justice Law in Niger State Provisions for speedy trials, backlogs in the courts and administrative ineffiencies at all levels can be attributed to lengthy delays in the resolution of cases.