A court ruling in Kano has directed the Kano State Government and Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to jointly compensate Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero with a sum of 10 million naira.
This compensation is for the violation of his fundamental rights, including his freedom of movement, personal liberty, and freedom.
In the past month, Governor Yusuf removed Ado Bayero from his position as Emir and demanded his immediate resignation within a two-day period.
However, Bayero was not present in Kano when this order was issued. Upon his return, he sought refuge in a small palace in Nasarawa. This action angered Governor Yusuf, who then ordered Bayero’s immediate arrest.
Ado Bayero, and Emir of Kano, decided to challenge Governor Yusuf’s actions in court. He sought a court order to overturn the law that removed him from his position and reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
On Friday, Justice Simon Amobeda ruled that his court had the jurisdiction to consider the case as it involved the protection of fundamental rights.
He further emphasized that Ado Bayero has the legal right and freedom to travel and reside anywhere within Kano or Nigeria.
Despite the court decision, Sanusi will not be forced to leave the Gidan Rumfa palace. Both the Kano state government’s lawyer and Sanusi’s counsel celebrated the verdict as a victory for Sanusi and his supporters, as the court upheld the law that paved the way for his reinstatement as Emir.
Abdulrazaq Ahmad, the legal representative for Ado Bayero, mentioned that he plans to discuss with his client regarding the possibility of appealing the N10 million award imposed on them.
He also highlighted that the recent court ruling affirmed the court’s authority to handle the case and emphasized the importance of protecting his client’s fundamental rights.
Additionally, he pointed out that the judgement serves as a deterrent against any potential violations of the emir’s rights by the state government or security agencies.