The Jigawa Judicial Service Commission has ordered the compulsory retirement of a Shari’a Court judge, Sadisu Muhammad-Haruna, following findings of corruption and abuse of office.

Announcing the decision on Tuesday in Dutse, the commission’s Director of Protocol and Publicity, Mr. Abba Wangara, said the action followed an investigation into a petition filed by Abdullahi Hamza. The inquiry found that the judge allegedly demanded and collected unauthorised fees contrary to the Jigawa Shari’a Court Civil Procedure Rules (2012).

The commission also determined that Muhammad-Haruna unlawfully detained the petitioner, describing the act as a serious breach of judicial ethics. “The compulsory retirement of Muhammad-Haruna sends a strong message that corruption and abuse of power by judicial officers will not be tolerated,” Wangara said.

In the same session, the commission approved the promotion of more than 80 staff members to reward performance and strengthen morale within the judiciary.

It also confirmed several senior appointments to key positions in the state Shari’a Court of Appeal. The appointments include Aliyu Muhammad as Deputy Chief Registrar I (Administration), Abdulrashid Alhassan as Deputy Chief Registrar II (Litigation), and Isma’il Sani as Chief Inspector of Shari’a Courts.

Others appointed were Umar Malam as Director of Planning, Research and Statistics; Muhammad Lawan as Director of Personnel Management; and Kabiru Isyaku as Deputy Chief Inspector.

The commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining integrity in the judicial system and ensuring that judges and staff comply with relevant laws and regulations.