BREAKING: Emirate Tussle: Bayero Wins As Court Gives Order In His Favour

A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled in favour of embattled Emir Aminu Ado Bayero in Kano State.

The court granted Bayero N10 million in damages following an order for his arrest and eviction from the palace. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero last month, demanding he relinquish power within 48 hours.

Ado Bayero, who was not in Kano when the order was issued, returned and moved into the mini palace in Nasarawa, prompting Governor Yusuf to order his arrest.

In response, Ado Bayero took legal action to challenge the Governor’s decision and sought to overturn the law used to depose him and reinstate Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The suit named the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, the State Security Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Navy as respondents.

On Friday, Justice Simon Amobeda ruled that the court had jurisdiction over the case as it was a fundamental rights enforcement application. He affirmed that Bayero has the right to move freely and reside anywhere in Kano or Nigeria.

However, the court did not order the eviction of Sanusi from the Gidan Rumfa palace. Ibrahim Isa Wangida, representing the Kano state government and Sanusi, viewed the judgment as favorable, noting the court did not invalidate the law reinstating Sanusi. He stated he would consult his clients about appealing the N10 million compensation.

Ado Bayero’s lawyer, Abdulrazaq Ahmad, felt vindicated by the ruling, emphasizing that the court recognized the breach of his client’s fundamental rights. He noted that the judgment prevents the state government or security agencies from further infringing on the emir’s rights.