Lawyers weep as upright Kano Chief Magistrate retires with untainted record
“It takes me a while to comment here because, words alone cannot express what I feel about the retirement of His Worship.
“His Worship is one of the best Magistrates/Judges we have in this jurisdiction. His dedication, fairness, honesty, trustworthiness, knowledge and wisdom in discharging his judicial functions, coupled with his punctuality are the qualities what impress me most about him.
“That’s why whenever I’m appearing before him, I feel as if I’m appearing before a superior court of record. I was so anxious to see him appointed as High Court Judge. But God did not make that possible. We pray to almighty Allah to continue guiding him in his future endeavors. We wish His Worship the very best life can offer. We miss you him so much.
“Congratulations on your retirement, sir.”
Those are the words of S. S. Salihu, a Kano-based lawyer, on the retirement of Chief Magistrate Mustapha Hassan Muhammad.
Such accolades about a retired judge rarely come out lawyers’ mouths if they do not mean it.
It’s certain that Chief Magistrate Mustapha Hassan Muhammad did well on the bench, so much so that lawyers in Kano believe having another one like him could be difficult, even if not impossible.
Some lawyer could not hold back their tears as they tell tales of the retired Chief Magistrate’s uprightness, truthfulness, knowledge and dedication to service.
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Abdullahi Sani Ilyas captured the essence of the sense of void that lawyers felt as the revered Magistrate bowed out gracefully, his garment untarnished by the dark patches that had soiled the regalia of many others.
He wrote, “Congratulations sir, you bowed out as a hero though you’ve left a vacuum that cannot easily be filled. Your uprightness, promptness and commitment to service are priceless. But you have left a legacy, you’ve inspired many others from the bar and the bench as well.
Indeed, the name you answer ‘the chosen’ is never misplaced.
May Allah’s guidance, protection, love and mercy continue to be with you and your entire family here and hereafter.”
M. B. Dambatta added, “As you retire, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your guidance, leadership, and unwavering support throughout the years. You have been an inspiration to us all, leading by example with integrity, dedication and vision.
“Your impact on this organization and on everyone who had the privilege of working with you will be remembered for years to come. While we will miss your presence, we celebrate this new chapter of your life. May it be filled with good health, joy, and all the adventures you’ve been looking forward to.
“Thank you for everything, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement!”
Usman Nasidi Ali hit the nail right on its head, implying that there are many other judges who will leave service and lawyer will snigger ‘good riddance’.
He wrote, “Certainly there are people whose retirement is of the interest of the service and the office. And also, there are people whose retirement creates an irreplaceable lacuna or vacuum to the office or a gap… Sir, it is a unanimous consensus of members of the bar and bench that it will take time for the magisterial bench to get your equal. Remain blessed”
Sadam Shehu wrote, “A truly committed, dedicated and outstanding Magistrate. Incorruptible and impartial, always on the side of the law. May your retirement from the Bench be a stepping stone to greater success Your Worship. Congratulations sir.”
Aliyu Nasiru Dawanau exclaimed, “Wayyo Allah!!! This is a very great loss to the administration of justice as well as rule of law in toto here in Kano. The gap may not be filled in the near future. Chief Magistrate with zero corruption. An unbiased, friendly judge. Sir, we wish you a very healthy future and good opportunity ahead to continue serve the public…”
Another lawyer said “After several years of dedicated service, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and a commitment to justice.”
Still another said, “We will miss his promptness, as he always took his seat on time, ready to discharge his judicial duties with precision and fairness.”
In addition, someone said, “He has been an inspiration to many, and his vibrant personality has lit up the courtroom. His tireless work ethic and dedication to the pursuit of justice have earned him the respect and admiration of lawyers, his colleagues, court staff, and the community.”
And this one said “We admire his energy and enthusiasm in the discharge of his duties, and appreciate his brilliance, patience, humility and thoughtfulness.”
Born on the 29th December 1969, according to records, ,Chief Magistrate Mustapha Hassan Muhammad began his educational pursuit at Central Primary School, Birnin Kudu from 1974 to 1980 where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate; attended Government College, Birnin, Kudu from 1980 to 1985 where he got his West African School Certificate (WASC); proceeded to Aminu Kano School Islamic and Legal Studies from 1993 to 1996 where he has a diploma in Law; moved to Bayero University Kano from 2000 to 2005 where he Bachelor of Laws (LL.B); before capping his route towards legal profession at the Nigerian Law School from 2005 to 2006 where he was certified as Barrister at Law (B.L.).
Of course, Chief Magistrate Mustapha Hassan Muhammad had served as Court Clerk; Registrar, Magistrate Court; Higher Registrar, Magistrate Court; Senior Registrar, Probate Unit of the Kano High Court; and Senior Registrar, Kano High Court No. 7. In all these, his services were without blemish.
On the bench, he was Magistrate, Kano State Judiciary; Magistrate Grade II, Garko; Magistrate Grade II, Makoda; Magistrate Grade I, Beli (Rogo); Senior Magistrate I, Dawakin Tofa & Dambatta; Designated Small Claim Magistrate; Chief Magistrate Grade II, which he held simultaneously with the position of Deputy Chief Registrar, Admin & Special Services, Kano State High Court.
