The Kano State Government was fined ₦10 million by a Federal High Court in Kano on Friday, as compensation for violating the fundamental human rights of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
Justice Amobeda, presiding over the case brought by Bayero seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights, issued the order. The judge deemed Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive for Bayero’s house arrest unlawful.
The respondents included the Attorney General of Kano State, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Kano State, State Security Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Airforce.
Justice Amobeda restrained the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents from arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing, or further interfering with Bayero’s fundamental right to liberty as guaranteed under section 35(1) of the Nigerian constitution.
Abdulrazak Ahmad, Counsel to Bayero, confirmed in an interview with reporters that the court had granted their request regarding the infringement of their client’s rights. Ibrahim Wangida, Counsel to the Respondents, expressed satisfaction with the judgment.
However, the court declined to grant Bayero’s request for the costs of filing and prosecuting the case, citing that the amount was not pleaded and proven.
This decision follows a ruling by Justice Liman Mohammed of the Federal High Court, affirming jurisdiction to hear Bayero’s case. Earlier, Justice Mohammed had delivered judgment in a case initiated by the kingmaker, Aminu Baba Dan Agundi, concerning Bayero’s fundamental human rights amidst an emirate dispute.
Additionally, a Kano State High Court had ordered substituted service on Bayero and four other emirs in a separate case filed by the Kano State Government, seeking to restrain them from presenting themselves as emirs.
