JSC dismisses two magistrates, 24 judiciary workers over misconduct
The Anambra State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed two magistrates and 24 judicial workers over various acts of misconduct. The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Commission’s Executive
The Anambra State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed two magistrates and 24 judicial workers over various acts of misconduct.
The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Commission’s Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary, Chief Stanley Mbanaso, while addressing journalists in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
Mbanaso said the disciplinary measures are part of sustained efforts to reinforce discipline, integrity, and impartiality within the state judiciary.
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“We have taken firm and proactive measures to ensure that corruption and all forms of malfeasance are eradicated from the system,” he stated.
He added that the Commission had, in recent times, compulsorily retired some magistrates and dismissed or suspended others, including members of customary courts and judiciary staff found culpable, describing the exercise as continuous.
The Permanent Secretary urged members of the public to submit petitions supported by affidavit evidence, noting that frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations are sometimes made against judicial officers.
According to him, while the Commission investigates complaints involving magistrates, customary court officials and judiciary staff, petitions concerning High Court judges are forwarded to the National Judicial Council in Abuja for appropriate action.
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Mbanaso, however, expressed concern over the shortage of judges and magistrates in the state, warning that it is affecting the timely administration of justice.
“In the past, we had about 40 serving High Court judges. Today, we have only 29,” he said.
He noted that Anambra currently has about 64 magistrates serving 35 magisterial districts across its 21 local government areas, describing the figure as grossly inadequate.
Comparatively, he said the state judiciary ranks second only to Lagos State in the volume of pending High Court cases, yet Lagos has about 50 judges, compared to Anambra’s 29.
He expressed optimism that once necessary facilities are provided, Governor Chukwuma Soludo would approve the appointment of additional High Court judges to decongest the courts and improve the speed of justice delivery.
