The Federal High Court in Kano has delivered a significant verdict, upholding the rights of movement and freedom to civil liberty of the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.
The court also ordered the Kano State Government to pay N10 million in damages to the 15th Emir.
In a judgment delivered on Friday, the presiding judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, ruled that the applicant’s counsel was entitled to withdraw certain reliefs from the case, citing the rules of law.
The judge also emphasized that it was his duty to determine the jurisdiction of the court before proceeding with the matter.
The court concluded that it has the jurisdiction to hear the case, which centers on the alleged abuse of fundamental human rights by the Kano State Government.
The applicant had sought damages of N5 billion for threatening his human rights, including his right to liberty and freedom of movement.
Justice Amobeda underscored that it is the duty of the court to protect the rights of every citizen, but this protection cannot be done in a vacuum.
He stated that the applicant had successfully provided cogent evidence to support his claims.
The court noted that in 2019, the Kano State Government used the kingmakers to select a new emir, but then used social media to declare that the applicant had been deposed and ordered his arrest.
The judge held that this was a breach of the applicant’s fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement.
As a result, the court ordered the government to restrain its agents, including the police, DSS, Army, Air Force, and Navy, from arresting, detaining, or harassing the applicant.
The court also ordered the government to pay N10 million in damages for breaching and likely breaching the applicant’s fundamental rights.
The court struck out the prayer for costs of filing and prosecuting the case.
