The Federal High Court in Kano has made a ruling stating that the Kano State Government must compensate deposed Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero with a sum of N10 million for violating his fundamental rights.
The court, after establishing its jurisdiction over Bayero’s rights violation suit, also ordered the Kano State Government to ensure the deposed emir’s right to movement and personal liberty.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court 3, he emphasized the court’s duty to determine jurisdiction before addressing the main issue of the case. He stated that without jurisdiction, any proceeding is null and void.
Justice Amobeda declared the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case, noting that it involved the abuse of fundamental human rights, a matter within the Federal High Court’s purview according to the Constitution.
Bayero had sought, among other reliefs, payment of N5 billion as damages from the Kano State Government for violating his fundamental human rights and also sought the enforcement of his rights to movement and personal liberty.
The judge highlighted that in 2019, the Kano State government used the Kingmakers to select a new Emir, but on Friday, May 23, 2024, Governor Abba Yusuf announced on social media that he had deposed Bayero and ordered the Police to arrest him within 48 hours.
Justice Amobeda held that the government’s actions, including placing Bayero under house arrest, constituted a violation of his fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The court also ordered that the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), among others, be restrained from arresting, detaining, or harassing Bayero.
Furthermore, the Government of Kano State was directed to pay Bayero N10 million for breaching his fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
