The Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has approved the demotion and dismissal of Chief Magistrate Emmanuel A. Jatau, who previously served in Masaka, Nasarawa State.
Jatau has been downgraded from Chief Magistrate II (GL 15) to Senior Magistrate I (GL 14) and relieved of all magisterial duties.
Meanwhile, the decision followed a recommendation by the Committee for Appointments, Promotions, and Discipline (CAPD).
The disciplinary action was prompted by a petition from Nigerian human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, submitted in August 2024 to the Honourable Chief Judge of Nasarawa State.
Effiong accused Jatau of judicial misconduct, forgery, illegality, and abuse of power.
He stated that the Magistrate Court in Masaka bore an official filing stamp from the Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos, signed by a staff member of the FHC, Lagos, identified as M. Tofowomo-Adegbite (Mr.), and dated January 8, 2024.
