A Federal High Court in Kano has scheduled June 13, 2024, to rule on whether it has jurisdiction over the fundamental human rights case concerning the Kano Emirate.
Justice Abdullahi Liman also issued an order preventing the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The case was brought by Aminu Babba DanAgundi, a former senior councillor of the Kano Emirate, who is challenging the Kano State Government for allegedly violating his fundamental human rights by removing him from his position without his consent or notification.
During the hearing on jurisdiction, the plaintiff’s and defendants’ counsels argued over whether the State House of Assembly has the authority to repeal a law that led to the removal of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and his appointees.
DanAgundi’s lawyer, Barrister M. A. Waziri, argued that the court has full jurisdiction to hear the case as protected by the relevant sections of the Protection of Fundamental Human Rights. He claimed that DanAgundi, the deposed Sarkin Dawaki Babba, was not given a fair hearing before Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was deposed, thus violating his rights. He also argued that the process that reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was flawed and invalid.
However, the counsel for Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, Barrister Muhamud A. Magaji, urged the court to reject the plaintiff’s claim of jurisdiction, asserting that the State House of Assembly has the power to amend, repeal, or create laws as needed.
The defendants in the case include the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney General of Kano State, Kano Commissioner of Police, Inspector General of Police, and the Department of State Services.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Liman adjourned the case to June 13, 2024, to rule on whether the court has the jurisdiction to proceed.
Due to the disputes over the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethronement of Aminu Ado Bayero, the position of Emir of Kano remains vacant.