Four Magistrates Suspended in Cross River Over Corruption, Drunkenness

The Cross River Judicial Service Commission has suspended four magistrates and several judicial staff over allegations of misconduct, including corruption, falsification of records, drunkenness, and dereliction of duty. The suspensions were announced by the commission’s secretary, Peter Ene, in a statement issued on Thursday.

The suspended magistrates are Ushie Ushang, Port Court, Calabar; Gabriel Ebebe, Chief Magistrate Court, Edor; Gabriel Agana, Chief Magistrates Court, Effraya, Ikom; and Shadrach Orji, Chief Magistrates Court 1, Ogoja. These individuals were found guilty of judicial incompetence, corruption, and other professional breaches. While the magistrates were suspended without pay, two other judicial staff members received stern warnings.

In addition to the magistrates, three judicial staff were also suspended without pay, and a Chief Bailiff received a warning letter. The commission has instructed the affected magistrates to hand over all pending cases to their respective court registrars for further action. The magistrate in Calabar has also been directed to transfer all pending files to the administrative chief magistrate.

The suspensions and warnings were made in accordance with Section 3, Rule 03305 of the Cross River Public Service Rules, 2004. Mr. Ene emphasized the commission’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in the judicial system, adding that the commission would continue to take firm action against any staff found guilty of misconduct to protect public confidence in the judiciary.