Niger  Chief Judge Urges Registrars to guide against misconduct in  administration of Justice 

These include delays in processing and transmitting court records, poor record keeping, failure to comply promptly with judicial directives, errors in preparing court documents, and inadequate handling of sensitive court records and exhibits.

Other concerns highlighted were lack of professionalism in dealing with litigants and legal practitioners, resistance to technological innovations and digitization efforts, breaches of confidentiality, absenteeism, lateness, indiscipline, and corruption.

The Chief Judge pointed out that such practices have the potential to delay justice, erode public confidence in the judiciary, and damage the reputation of the courts.

Justice Halima Abdulmalik particularly condemned the demand or collection of gratification for processing bail applications, production warrants, or listing cases on the court cause list.

She further disclosed that the Judicial Service Commission had dismissed some officers in the previous year over such misconduct, stressing that corruption and unethical practices have no place in the judiciary.

Justice Halima assured participants that the judiciary remains committed to the welfare, capacity building, and professional development of registrars.

However, she warned that any officer found guilty of negligence, insubordination, dereliction of duty, falsification of records, undue delays, or any conduct capable of bringing the judiciary into disrepute would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with established rules and regulations.

The Chief Judge urged all participants to take advantage of the training to improve their competence, integrity, diligence, and professionalism.

She expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme would enhance their performance and contribute to more effective service delivery across courts in Niger State.

She wished the participants fruitful deliberations and prayed for continued progress and success for the Niger State Judiciary.

Speaking with journalists, the Secretary, Education Committee of the Niger State Judiciary Mallam Ahmed Suleiman Musa Esq, explained that since the inception of Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik as the ChiefJudge, she has initiated a series of training workshops for all cadres of staff of the Judiciary.

He stated that Magistrates and other categories of workers in the state Judiciary have attended similar training to equip them on their responsibility in the discharge of their duty in their respective courts.

According to the Secretary,the education committee decided to embark on the workshop to train all Court registrars of High Courts and Magistrates across the State to update their knowledge on their duty as Registrar.