Breaking News: Jigawa State Govt Cracks Down on Absenteeism in Shari’a Courts
By Abdulhamid Sani
In a bold move to revamp the Shari’a court system, the Jigawa State Grand Kadi, Hon. Kadi Sani Salihu, led an unannounced inspection to various courts across the state on May 15, 2025. The surprise visit uncovered cases of absenteeism among some court staff, prompting the Grand Kadi to summon the affected Shari’a Alkali (Judge) and staff members to his office for explanations.
According to Abbas Rufa’i Wangara, Director of Publicity & Protocol at the State Judiciary, who spoke on behalf of the Grand Kadi, “The judiciary operates on integrity and diligence. Any act of negligence or absenteeism without justification will not be tolerated, as it directly affects the public’s trust in the justice system.”
During the inspection, the Grand Kadi assessed the operational efficiency of the courts, inspected facilities, and engaged with court staff to evaluate their working conditions. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, timely dispensation of justice, and adherence to ethical standards in the judicial process.
The inspection team, comprising key officials including the Acting Chief Registrar of the Shari’a Court of Appeal, Barr. Kabiru Abubakar Gumel, and others, visited the Yalwan Damai Shari’a Court, Iggi Shari’a Court, Higher and Upper Shari’a Courts in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area.
In a notable gesture, the Grand Kadi expressed gratitude to a construction company for providing an access entrance to the Upper Shari’a Court in Birnin-Kudu as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. He also appreciated an individual who preferred to remain anonymous for generously constructing a borehole at the court premises as an act of charity (Sadaqatul Jariya).
This development is part of the Grand Kadi’s broader initiative to strengthen accountability, enhance service delivery, and ensure compliance with judicial best practices across Shari’a courts in Jigawa State. As the judiciary continues to prioritize transparency, efficiency, and the rule of law, citizens can expect improved access to justice and a more robust judicial system.
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