A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has awarded N10 million compensation to the 14th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, over the order for his arrest and eviction from his palace.
Recall that Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had dethroned Bayero last month and ordered him to hand public property in his possession as well as vacate the palace within 48 hours.
Governor Yusuf reinstated the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the 16th Emir of the Emirate.
But, Bayero, who was out of Kano at the time the order was given, returned and moved into the mini palace in Nasarawa area of Kano metropolis.
Furious at Bayero’s action, Governor Yusuf ordered his immediate arrest over the embattled monarch’s alleged attempt to cause breach of peace in the State.
The 15th Emir of Kano had headed for the court to challenge Governor Yusuf’s action.
Bayero also asked the court to nullify the law through which the governor deposed him and reinstated Emir Sanusi II.
Respondents in the suit were the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Commissioner of Police in Kano, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Navy.
Delivering judgement on Friday, Justice Simon Amobeda held that his court had jurisdiction to hear and entertain the matter being fundamental rights enforcement application.
He also averred that Bayero has the liberty and legal right to move freely and live anywhere in Kano or elsewhere in Nigeria.
The court, however, declined to order eviction of Sanusi II from the Gidan Rumfa palace.
Counsel to Kano State government and Sanusi II, Ibrahim Isa Wangida, described the judgement as a victory for the Emir Sanusi II and his admirers as the court did not void the law that warranted Sanusi’s reinstatement.
He, however, said he would consult his client on whether or not they will appeal the award of N10 million against them.
Counsel to Bayero, Abdulrazaq Ahmad, said he had been vindicated by the judgement that the court has inherent powers to hear and determine the case and that the fundamental rights of his client were breached or about to be breached.
He said the judgement has restrained the state government or any security agencies from breaching the rights of the Emir.
