A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled in favour of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, awarding him N10 million in damages following an order for his arrest and eviction from the palace by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Last month, Governor Yusuf had purportedly dethroned Ado Bayero, demanding he hand over power within 48 hours.
At the time of the decree, Ado Bayero was not in Kano but returned and took residence in another palace in Nasarawa. This prompted Governor Yusuf to order his immediate arrest.
The 15th Emir of Kano subsequently sought legal redress, challenging the governor’s actions.
Ado Bayero also sought the court’s intervention to invalidate the law used to depose him and reinstate Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The respondents in the case included 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.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice Simon Amobeda affirmed the court’s jurisdiction over the matter, emphasizing that Ado Bayero’s fundamental rights were at stake.
He stated that Ado Bayero is entitled to move freely and reside anywhere in Kano or elsewhere in Nigeria
Ibrahim Isa Wangida, counsel for the Kano state government indicated plans to discuss with his clients the possibility of appealing the N10 million compensation ruling.
Abdulrazaq Ahmad, representing Ado Bayero, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating that it affirmed the court’s authority to hear the case and recognized the breach of his client’s fundamental rights.
He highlighted that the judgment prevents the state government and security agencies from further infringing on Ado Bayero’s rights.