The Cross River Judicial Service Commission has taken decisive action against judicial misconduct by suspending four magistrates and several staff members for corruption and various forms of judicial malpractice. Peter Ene, the commission’s secretary, announced the suspensions on Thursday, outlining the reasons behind the decisions.
The suspended magistrates include Ushie Ushang of Port Court, Calabar; Gabriel Ebebe, Chief Magistrate Court, Edor; Gabriel Agana of the Chief Magistrate Court, Effraya, Ikom; and Shadrach Orji of Chief Magistrates Court 1, Ogoja. They were found guilty of multiple offenses, including corruption, falsification of records, incompetence, drunkenness, and neglect of duty.
In addition to the suspensions, two other magistrates were issued stern warnings. Three judicial staff members also faced suspension without pay, while a Chief Bailiff received a warning letter.
Ene emphasized that the magistrates affected by the suspensions were instructed to hand over all pending cases to their respective court registrars and to the administrative chief magistrate in Calabar for further action.
This decision is in line with the Cross River Public Service Rules, specifically Section 3, Rule 03305, 2004. Ene reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to upholding integrity in the judicial service and ensuring accountability, stating that any staff found guilty of misconduct will face appropriate sanctions to maintain public trust in the judicial system.
