Kwara State Judicial Service Commission Convenes, Approves Promotions and Enforces Disciplinary Sanctions

On Wednesday, 15th July 2026, the Kwara State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) held its statutory meeting to deliberate on critical administrative and personnel matters affecting the state judiciary. The session addressed issues of staff welfare, career progression, transfers of service, and disciplinary enforcement.

After thorough consideration of all agenda items, the following key resolutions were reached:

The Commission approved immediate cash‑backing for staff promotions due between January 2025, July 2025, and January 2026. Payments will commence in July 2026, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to staff welfare and timely career advancement.

In line with the Public Service Rules, the Commission reviewed several disciplinary cases, and sanctioned several officers to uphold discipline and public confidence in the judiciary.

Magistrate Imam A.A. was demoted from Grade Level 13 to 12 for negligence in supervising bail processes, which led to fraudulent sureties, the defendant’s abscondment, and subsequent criminal activity.

The Commission was able to established that the Magistrate failed to properly supervise the bail perfection process, allowing his Registrar to compromise the procedure. Proxy sureties were arranged after the Registrar collected ₦200,000, leading to the fraudulent release of the defendant. The defendant subsequently absconded, resulting in unnecessary adjournments. The Magistrate later terminated the case without due process. Following the defendant’s alleged commission of another murder, a petition was lodged by the State Commissioner of Police. A Committee set up by the Commission found the Magistrate culpable of negligence in supervisory oversight.

Mr. Saadullahi Shuaib, a Grade Level 10 officer and former Registrar to Magistrate Imam A.A. at the Chief Magistrate Court Sango, was dismissed for gross misconduct after collecting ₦200,000 for bail perfection and colluding with colleagues to compromise judicial procedure.

According to investigation, Shuaib was found to have collected money from the defendant’s relatives for bail perfection, shared part of the proceeds with colleagues, and failed to conduct the mandatory scrutiny of sureties, in collaboration with the Court’s Orderly.

Mr. Bisade Adebarade Philips, Registrar to Hon. Justice Oluwatosin Adeniyi, was dismissed for unethical practices, including extorting litigants and issuing unauthorized divorce certificates.

The investigation followed a petition by litigants and legal practitioners detailing repeated unethical practices, an investigation revealed that on 26th June, 2026, he collected ₦12,000 (instead of the official ₦2,700) for the issuance of a Divorce Certificate, bypassed the revenue payment process to KWIRS, and appended his signature on the certificate, an action beyond his authority.

Mr. Philips admitted some of the allegations but denied others. However, testimonies from the Secretary, Clerk and Legal Researcher of the Court along with other supporting evidence, confirmed a pattern of demanding and collecting money from litigants and lawyers before releasing court orders and judgments. The Commission, after careful evaluation, found him guilty of serious misconduct and unethical behaviour.

The Commission reiterated its zero‑tolerance stance on corruption, negligence, and compromise of judicial processes. Staff were reminded to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism.

The Commission approved the confirmation of Mr. Shola Ayenigba as the substantive Chief Accountant of the JSC after meritorious service in an acting capacity.

The Commission also approved the transfer of Magistrate Nimat Abdulrazaq from the Kwara State Judiciary to the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Abuja.

The JSC congratulated all promoted and confirmed officers, urging continued dedication to a fair, efficient, and corruption‑free justice delivery system in Kwara State.

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