A Federal High Court in Kano has issued a ruling in favor of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, granting him N10 million in damages after Governor Abba Yusuf ordered his arrest and eviction from the palace. Last month, Governor Yusuf had allegedly removed Ado Bayero from his position as Emir of Kano and demanded that he relinquish power within 48 hours. However, Ado Bayero was not in Kano at the time and had taken up residence in another palace in Nasarawa. This led Governor Yusuf to order his immediate arrest.

In response, Ado Bayero sought legal recourse to challenge the governor’s actions and also requested the court’s intervention to invalidate the law used to depose him and reinstate Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The respondents in the case included various government officials and security agencies. In his ruling, Justice Simon Amobeda affirmed the court’s jurisdiction over the matter and emphasized that Ado Bayero’s fundamental rights were at stake.

He stated that Ado Bayero has the right to move freely and reside anywhere in Kano or elsewhere in Nigeria.

The counsel for the Kano state government, Ibrahim Isa Wangida, expressed plans to discuss the possibility of appealing the N10 million compensation ruling with his clients.

On the other hand, Abdulrazaq Ahmad, representing Ado Bayero, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, as it affirmed the court’s authority to hear the case and recognized the violation of his client’s fundamental rights. He also highlighted that the judgment prevents the state government and security agencies from further infringing on Ado Bayero’s rights.