In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Kano sided with the ousted Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, in his legal battle against the Kano State Government and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Justice Simon Amobeda, who presided over the case, granted a compensation of N10 million to Ado Bayero on Friday, citing the unlawful order for his arrest and expulsion from the royal residence.
A month ago, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had stripped Ado Bayero of his title, instructing him to leave the Kano palace within two days. Despite being away at the time, Ado Bayero returned and took up residence in a less grand palace in Nasarawa. This move incensed Governor Yusuf, leading him to order Ado Bayero’s arrest.
In response, Ado Bayero took legal action against the Governor’s decisions, aiming to overturn the law that facilitated Sanusi’s return to power and his own removal. However, the court did not pass judgment on this part of the case.
Ibrahim Isa Wangida, the legal representative for the Kano State and Sanusi, viewed the judgment as a win for their side, as it did not annul the law that reinstated Sanusi. He hinted at a potential appeal concerning the N10 million compensation granted to Ado Bayero.