By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State Judicial Service Commission has ordered three security watchmen to refund ₦1.895 million, representing the estimated value of items stolen from its premises, within three months or face suspension and possible criminal prosecution.
The commission directed each of the three watchmen to refund one-third of the amount, with the three-month deadline taking effect from September 25, 2026.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Barrister Stanley Mbanaso, disclosed this while briefing journalists, adding that the commission had also sanctioned other judicial workers over misconduct and absence from duty without authorisation.
According to him, two bailiffs attached to the High Court of Justice, Nnewi Judicial Division, were suspended for two months over misconduct. Their suspensions also took effect from September 25, 2026.
The commission also dismissed a cleaner from the judiciary service for prolonged absence from duty without permission. In a separate case, a Higher Executive Officer received a strongly worded letter of reprimand over misconduct.
Similarly, a Senior Clerical Officer was barred from receiving salaries and other emoluments for four months, covering January to April 2026, for absence from duty without authorisation.
The commission directed that the salary for the period be withheld if it had already been paid.
In another decision, the commission approved the voluntary retirement of a Legal Research Assistant attached to a judge of the Anambra State High Court.
The officer, who submitted a retirement letter in November 2025, reportedly travelled out of the country the following month without permission or authorisation.
The commission directed the officer to refund any salary or other emoluments received after December 5, 2025.
Mbanaso said the Chief Judge of Anambra State and chairman of the commission, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, had warned judicial officers and staff against misconduct, stressing that violations of the rules of service would attract stringent disciplinary measures.
Meanwhile, the commission confirmed 59 staff members in permanent positions, including verbatim court reporters employed between 2023 and 2024. It also approved the withdrawal or retirement of 10 officers from the judiciary service.
The commission further approved letters of recommendation for some magistrates and presidents of customary courts in recognition of their performance in submitting case returns for the first and second quarters of 2026.
Queries were also ordered for judicial officers who failed to submit case returns or recorded zero performance during the period under review.
