Kano JSC Declines Public Debate Over Retired Judiciary Official’s Court Suit, Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 22, 2026
The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has declined to engage in public debate over the disciplinary action it took against the Acting Director of Information and Statistics of the Kano State Shari’a Court of Appeal, Ado Muzambilu, insisting that the matter is now before a court of competent jurisdiction and should be allowed to take its legal course.
The commission made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, following widespread media reports and public commentaries surrounding the compulsory retirement of the judiciary official and the lawsuit he subsequently filed against the commission.
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According to the statement, the JSC holds the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and, therefore, will not be drawn into public exchanges over a matter that is currently before the court.
“The Commission considers it necessary to state that it will not engage in a public debate or join issues with any party over a matter that is currently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.
The commission maintained that the disciplinary action against Muzambilu was carried out strictly within the ambit of its constitutional and statutory responsibilities. It explained that the decision followed a thorough review of the facts and materials presented before it and was guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Judicial Service Commission Regulations, the Kano State Public Service Rules, and other relevant laws governing the discipline of judicial officers and staff.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and fairness, the JSC stated that it would continue to discharge its constitutional mandate impartially and without fear or favour while safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the judiciary.
The commission also declined further comments on the matter, warning that public discussion could prejudice the ongoing judicial proceedings. It urged members of the public and the media to avoid speculation and allow the National Industrial Court to determine the issues before it.
“The Judicial Service Commission reassures the people of Kano State of its commitment to the rule of law, due process and the preservation of public confidence in the administration of justice,” the statement added.
The dispute arose after the JSC announced Muzambilu’s compulsory retirement on July 6, following recommendations by its Establishment Committee, which allegedly uncovered irregularities in his academic records, including the alteration of academic credentials and admission into the Nigerian Law School without the commission’s approval.
However, Muzambilu has challenged the decision before the National Industrial Court, naming the Kano State Judicial Service Commission, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Kano State Commissioner for Justice as respondents.
The retired judiciary official denied all allegations levelled against him and is seeking an order nullifying his compulsory retirement. He is also claiming N100 million in damages, arguing that the commission’s action severely damaged his reputation and brought an abrupt end to a professional career he had built over the years.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission has maintained that it will respect the judicial process and await the court’s determination, underscoring its confidence in due process and the administration of justice.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 22ND 2026)
