KUMAI BAYANG AKAAHS JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appellant was, until 5 March, 2009 the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal. In the letter No. FJSC/5/7/04/3/101 dated 5 March, 2009 issued by Hajia B. A. Bashir, the Secretary of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, he was compulsorily retired from service. The letter reads thus:-
"Federal Judicial Service Commission Supreme Court Complex
Three Arms Zone
P.M.B. 484 Abuja - Nigeria Tel. 09-6701344
FJSC/S/7/04/3/101 5th March, 2009.
Bode Thomas Esq. UFS: The President
Court of Appeal Abuja.
COMPULSORY RETIREMENT
You would recall that a query dated 17th November, 2008 was issued to you by the President of the Court of Appeal on series of allegations of serious misconduct. The allegations include, among others, unilaterally fixing your salary at the last step of the consolidated salary of Chief Registrars contrar…