In a recent ruling by Justice Liman Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Kano, the court affirmed its jurisdiction to hear a fundamental human rights case brought by Kingmakers Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Aminu Dan’agundi. This case revolves around the dethronement of the former Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, to pave the way for the reinstatement of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II.
Justice Liman based the court’s jurisdiction on Section 42 Sub-section 1 of the Constitution, emphasizing that the Federal High Court has the authority to adjudicate matters involving human rights violations. He noted the relevance of Section 32 of the Constitution in empowering the court to decide on such issues.
The case was initiated after the Kano State Government’s actions, including the dethronement of Bayero and the reinstatement of Sanusi, sparked legal disputes. The court had previously issued an ex-parte order preventing Governor Abba Yusuf from reinstating Sanusi pending the resolution of the substantive suit challenging the reinstatement.
During the proceedings, the plaintiff’s counsel, Chukwuson Ojukwu, argued for the continuation of the case, asserting that the issues regarding the validity of the emir’s appointments and the deposition of Bayero were ready for adjudication. On the other hand, the defendants’ counsel, A.G. Wakil, argued against the inclusion of new motions unrelated to the original summons.
Justice Liman adjourned the case to Friday, June 14, for further proceedings, clarifying that the current session was solely for ruling purposes. He reiterated the importance of maintaining the status quo until the court reaches a decision in the case filed by Babba and Dan’Agundi.
The defendants in the suit include the Kano State Government, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the State Assembly, the Department of State Security (DSS), the Inspector General of Police, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). This legal battle underscores significant constitutional and jurisdictional issues concerning the governance and leadership of traditional institutions in Kano State.