A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, on Friday, awarded N10 million compensation to Emir Aminu Ado Bayero over the order for his arrest and eviction from the palace.
Last month, Governor Abba Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero and ordered him to hand over power and vacate the palace within 48 hours.
But the dethroned emir, who had traveled out of Kano at the time the order was given, returned and moved into the mini palace in Nasarawa.
Angered by the dethroned emir’s alleged effrontery, Governor Yusuf ordered his immediate arrest.
But the 15th Emir of Kano headed for the court to challenge the Governor’s action.
Bayero also prayed the court to nullify the law through which Governor Yusuf deposed him and reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
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, were all listed as respondents in the suit.
Justice Simon Amobeda, while delivering judgment on Friday, held that his court had jurisdiction to hear and entertain the matter being fundamental rights enforcement application.
The judge also averred that Ado Bayero has the liberty and legal right to move freely and live anywhere in Kano or elsewhere in Nigeria.
But the court declined to order the eviction of Sanusi from the Gidan Rumfa palace.
Kano state Government counsel, 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.
The lawyer said he would consult his clients on whether or not they will appeal the award of N10 million against them.
Ado Bayero’s lawyer, Abdulrazaq Ahmad, said he had been vindicated by the judgement that the court has inherent powers to hear and determine the case and that the fundamental rights of his client were breached or about to be breached.
The lawyer said the judgement had restrained the state government or any security agencies from breaching the rights of the emir.
