Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano has awarded N10 million compensation to the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, over the order for his arrest and eviction from the palace.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano in May and ordered him vacate the office within 48 hours.
However, Ado Bayero, who was out of Kano at the time the order was given, returned and moved into the mini palace in Nasarawa.
Due to the development, Governor Yusuf ordered his immediate arrest, the Emir headed for the court to challenge Yusuf’s action.
Ado Bayero also asked the court to nullify the law through which the governor deposed him and reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Joined in the suit were the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Commissioner of Police in Kano, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air force, and the Nigerian Navy.
While delivering judgment the judge held that Ado Bayero is at liberty and right to move freely and live anywhere in Kano or elsewhere in Nigeria.
The court, however, declined to order eviction of Sanusi from the Gidan Rumfa palace.
Counsel to Kano state government and Sanusi, Ibrahim Isa Wangida, described the judgement as a victory for the emir and his admirers as the court did not void the law that warranted Sanusi’s reinstatement.
He said he would consult his client on whether or not they will appeal the award of N10 million against them.
The ruling restrains the state government or any security officer from breaching the rights of the emir.