The Federal High Court in Kano is preparing to deliver a judgment on the case of former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who alleges that his fundamental human rights were violated when he was removed from office without his consent and faced potential arrest by the Kano State Government.
In response to Bayero’s motion to protect his fundamental human rights, the court ordered the eviction of reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from the Kofar Kudu Palace after considering an application from Bayero’s legal team two weeks prior.
During the hearing on Friday, Judge S. A. Amobeda announced an accelerated hearing to ensure a prompt resolution. He emphasized that the court would address the preliminary objections first, adhering to its commitment to equity and justice without interruptions during legal submissions.
On Tuesday, Justice Amobeda issued an ex parte order, stating it was in the interest of justice and maintaining peace in Kano State. The order included an interim injunction preventing the respondents from arresting, detaining, or harassing Bayero and from infringing on his rights pending the final decision.
The court also ordered that Bayero must not be denied access to his official residence and palace at Kofar Kudu, nor any rights and privileges as the Emir of Kano, pending the final judgment.
Counsel for Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, Muhmud Magaji, SAN, raised preliminary objections, arguing that the case involves the validity of the Kano Emirate Law 2024, which he claimed falls outside the court’s jurisdiction. He asserted that the application was incompetent and abused the court process, urging the court to dismiss it, as Bayero was no longer Emir at the time of filing.
Plaintiff’s counsel, M. J. Newman, representing Professor Mamman Lawan, withdrew prayers 1 and 2 due to recent developments. He clarified that their request was not for reinstatement but for the protection of Bayero’s fundamental human rights, which had been violated.
Newman stated that the originating motion, filed on May 27, 2024, contained seven prayers and was supported by an affidavit filed on June 15, 2024. He urged the court to grant their prayers and dismiss the respondent’s objections as an abuse of the court process.
Magaji maintained that removing reliefs 1 and 2 confirmed Bayero’s deposition, meaning he had no right to stay in government quarters.
