HON. JUSTICE GARBA ABDULLAHI V. THE GOVERNOR OF KANO STATE & ORS

JOSEPH TINE TUR, J.C.A. (Delivering the Lead Ruling): Honourable Justice Garba Abdullahi (the applicant/appellant) was appointed and sworn in as a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Kano State in March 1993. Sometimes in the year 2001 one Aminu Baba Nabegu alleged that his Lordship collected some money from him to discharge his judicial functions.

His Lordship was tried by the State before a High Court in Kano but was discharged and acquitted. The State appealed to the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division. The appeal is still pending. Meanwhile, on 31st May 2004 His Lordship was served with a dismissal letter by the 1st-3rd Respondents acting on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (4th Respondent). Being aggrieved His Lordship instituted an action in the Federal High Court Kano which was subsequently transferred to the High Court of Kano State. Pleadings were filed and exchanged. Upon hearing the parties coupled with the addresses of learned counsel Honourable Justice Ab…