The Taraba State Judicial Service Commission (TSJSC) has approved the promotion of 535 judicial officers across the state, confirmed several acting appointments, and imposed disciplinary measures on two officers.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Jalingo by the Secretary to the Commission, Hajia Talatu Abubakar.
According to the statement, the decisions were ratified during the Commission’s 125th meeting held in Jalingo and were based on the report of its Promotion Sub-Committee. The promotions, the Commission said, were granted strictly on merit.
As part of the resolutions, the appointment of James Machoko was confirmed as the substantive Chief Registrar of the Taraba State High Court with effect from June 15, 2025. Mr. Useni Galadima was confirmed as Deputy Registrar of the High Court, while Mrs. Victoria Barnabas was appointed Director of Area Courts.
Others whose appointments were confirmed include Abdullahi Loto as Director of Litigation, High Court, and Mrs. Nadunya Gamiya as Director of Audit. Mahmoud Lamu was also appointed as Acting Director of Personnel Management.
In the Customary Court of Appeal, the Commission confirmed Christian Jonah as Chief Registrar, Absalom Peter as Deputy Chief Registrar, and Samuel Inusa as Director of Litigation. Peter Inusa was confirmed as Director of Personnel Management, while Ishaq Umar was appointed Director of Litigation. Mohammed Isa was named Acting Director of Administration.
On disciplinary matters, the Commission demoted Assauten Abasson from Senior Magistrate II on Grade Level 13 to Senior Registrar on Grade Level 10, effective December 19, 2025. The officer was also recalled to the High Court Headquarters in Jalingo for a period of two years.
Similarly, William Jakwanti was demoted from Registrar I on Grade Level 9 to Assistant Registrar on Grade Level 7. He was directed to return to the Commission’s headquarters in Jalingo and ordered to refund ₦40,000 to one Musa Audu.