Kano – In a landmark decision, the Federal High Court in Kano ruled in favor of the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero in his lawsuit against the Kano State Government and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The court awarded Ado Bayero ₦10 million in compensation for the breach of his rights following his arrest and eviction from the palace.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Simon Amobeda stated that the actions taken against Ado Bayero were unjustified and violated his rights. The ruling came after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf dethroned Ado Bayero last month, issuing an order for him to vacate the Kano palace within 48 hours.
Ado Bayero, who was not present at the time of the order, returned to Kano and took up residence in a smaller palace in Nasarawa. In response, Governor Yusuf directed his arrest, a move that prompted Ado Bayero to challenge the governor’s actions in court.
He sought to nullify the law that facilitated Sanusi’s reinstatement and his own dethronement.
While the court did not rule on the validity of the law reinstating Sanusi, it recognized the breach of Ado Bayero’s rights and awarded him ₦10 million in damages. Counsel for Kano State and Emir Sanusi, Ibrahim Isa Wangida, interpreted the judgment as somewhat favourable since it did not invalidate the reinstatement law.
He also indicated that an appeal might be filed concerning the compensation awarded to Ado Bayero.
