On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Kano declared it has the jurisdiction to hear the human rights violation case filed by the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and senior councillor Aminu Dan’agundi, following the reinstatement of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
The court issued an ex-parte order preventing Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano from reinstating Sanusi until the main suit is resolved. The order also prevents the abolishment of the four emirates—Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano—that were established under a previously passed state bill.
All parties have been instructed to maintain the status quo until the suit filed by Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi is decided. Justice Liman granted permission for the plaintiff to serve their originating motion and other court documents to the Inspector General of Police in Abuja, even though it is outside the court’s usual jurisdiction.
The defendants in the suit include the Kano State Government, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the State Assembly, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Security.
Justice Liman ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the fundamental rights application is heard. He emphasized that this is necessary to maintain peace and security in the state.
The judge stated that the court has the jurisdiction to hear the case based on Section 42 Sub-section 1 of the Constitution, dismissing the respondents’ reliance on a previous case for their arguments.
Plaintiff’s counsel, Chukwuson Ojukwu, argued that the case is ready for hearing on the issues of the invalidity of the reappointment of a new Emir and the deposition of the 15th Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. However, A. G Wakil contended that a new motion regarding Chieftaincy Affairs was outside the original summons and the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Liman clarified that the case was adjourned for a ruling and nothing else, setting the next court date for June 13, 2024. He noted the sensitivity of the matter and adjourned the case until June 14, 2024, to ensure it is resolved promptly.
