Emir Tussle: Court Fines Kano Govt ₦10m For Violating Bayero’s Rights

A Federal High Court in Kano, on Friday, fined the Kano State government the sum of ₦10m, as compensation for breaching the fundamental human rights of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Amobeda, issued this order while delivering judgment in the case filed by Bayero, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human right.

The judge described the order given by Governor Abba Yusuf for the house arrest of Bayero, as unlawful.

The respondents in the suit were the Attorney General of Kano State, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Kano State, State Security Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Airforce.

Justice Amobeda restrained the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th from arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing, or further interfering with the applicant’s fundamental right to liberty guaranteed under section 35[1] of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

In his interview with newsmen after the judgement, Counsel to the Plaintiff, Abdulrazak Ahmad, affirmed that the court had granted their prayer on the infringement of their client’s right.

In his response, Counsel to the Respondent, Ibrahim Wangida, said they were satisfied with the judgement.

However, the court has refused to grant the plaintiff’s prayer for the cost of filing and prosecuting the case, as the amount has not been pleaded and proved.

The development comes following Justice Liman Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Kano State, declaring that Bayero has jurisdiction to be heard.

Justice Mohammed had on Thursday, given the judgement in a case filed by the kingmaker, Aminu Baba Dan Agundi.

Agundi had filed a case on the fundamental human rights of Bayero in the ongoing emirate tussle.

A Kano State High Court, had also ordered substituted service on Bayero and four other emirs in a case filed by the Kano State Government, to restrain them from parading themselves as emirs.