Meet Justice Hadiza Hamisu Ali-Jos, a very unassertive pioneer figure in the legal community who has defied norms and made history as the first female Chief Registrar at the Shari’a Court of Appeal, boosting her illustrious career straddling decades, marked by dedication, integrity and other significant achievements.
Early years and education
Born on October 2, 1955 in Borno State to Alhaji Baba Jimeta and Hajiya Jummai, Justice Hadiza Hamisu Ali-Jos embarked on her legal journey not knowing what laid ahead – feats or trials.
She began with earning a Diploma in Law, and also a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with honours, both from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Furthering her studies at the Nigeria Law School in Lagos from 1982 to 1983, she laid the foundation for a remarkable career in law.
Career unveiled
In August 1983, Hadiza commenced her professional journey as a legal trainee with the Ministry of Justice in Maiduguri, Borno State. Her ascent through the ranks was swift – from state counsel to senior legal draftsman, and eventually, senior state counsel by March 1987.
Ascension in the juduciary
Hadiza’s journey within the judiciary took her through various positions. In December 1988, she became a magistrate Grade 1 with the Borno State Judiciary, later transferring to the Gongola State Judiciary (now Adamawa State). Her dedication, it was once noted, led to promotions, eventually reaching the position of Chief Magistrate 11 in January 1988.
Beyond her judicial duties, Hadiza actively participates in administrative and judicial workshops hosted by the National Judicial Institute
Court of Appeal
In April 2002, a new chapter began as Hadiza was appointed Deputy Chief Registrar of the Shari’a Court of Appeal (SCA) in Jos. Her commitment and competence led to her nomination as the acting Chief Registrar in August 2003, and she was officially appointed to the position in December 2003, marking a historic moment for her as the first female chief registrar of the Shari’a Court of Appeal.
Administrative contributions
Beyond her judicial duties, Hadiza actively participates in administrative and judicial workshops hosted by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) including ones for directors and inspectors of area courts, where her astuteness were discovered as she also showcased her commitment to commitment to learning, unlearning and improvement within the legal system.
Election Petition Tribunals
The woman of few words, but loud on actions’ service extended to election petition tribunals, where she contributed her expertise. Notable instances include her role in the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal for Benue State in 2015 and chairing the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal for Kano State in 2019.
Her fearless return of $193,700 offered her as a bribe to sway a tribunal’s decision in favour of one of those in contention proved her act of defiance against corruption
Retirement and legacy
Quitting active service on October 2, 2020, Hadiza’s contributions to society extends beyond her professional achievements. She remains an active advocate for women’s rights, empowerment and education. Despite controversies, such as the 2019 bribery scandal during which she returned $193,700, her unwavering commitment to justice and integrity persists.
Defiant act of integrity
In 2019, Hadiza made headlines for her audacious display of integrity despite the gravity of the situation she found herself in. Her fearless return of the huge sum of money in foreign currency, offered to her as a bribe in an attempt to sway a tribunal’s decision in favour of one of those in contentions, proved her act of defiance against corruption and celebrated her as a woman of unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and ethical conduct.
National recognition
Her exemplary conduct did not go unnoticed within the legal community. In 2021, she found herself among other distinguished individuals recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for consideration by the then Nigeria’s president, specifically for the prestigious appointment as a Justice of the Court of Appeal. The NJC acknowledgment was deemed a recognition of her integrity which serves as a testament to her elevated status within the legal fraternity, reinforcing the importance of ethical values in the pursuit of justice.
Inspiration for the future
Hadiza, particularly in a scenery grappling with corruption and governance challenges, accentuates the significance of integrity and dedication to duty, encouraging young female lawyers and judges to persevere and strive for excellence in the pursuit of excellence in their careers.
Amid navigating the complexities of the legal and judicial system, she also stands as a beacon of hope, exemplifying the transformative power of passion, hard work, and staunch obligation to the principles of justice in Nigeria and beyond.
