Deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, Wins Major Legal Battle
In a landmark ruling on Friday, the Federal High Court in Kano upheld the rights of the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, to freedom of movement and civil liberty. The court also ordered the Kano State Government to pay N10 million in damages to the former Emir.
Key Judgment and Legal Standpoints
Justice Simon Amobeda, presiding over the case, validated the applicant’s withdrawal of certain reliefs, recognising their legal right to do so. Emphasising the jurisdiction of the court, he asserted that the case was fundamentally about the abuse of the applicant’s human rights, which the Constitution empowers the court to address.
Violation of Fundamental Rights
Justice Amobeda highlighted that the government had used social media to propagate the deposition of the Emir, followed by an order for his arrest. He stated that such actions, without lawful justification, constituted a breach of the Emir’s fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
Court’s Protective Role
The court underscored its duty to protect citizens’ rights, noting that the applicant had provided substantial evidence of the violation of his fundamental human rights. Justice Amobeda ruled that the security agencies involved must cease any actions that would further harass or detain the deposed Emir.
Compensation for Rights Violation
In conclusion, the court ordered the Kano State Government to compensate Aminu Ado Bayero with N10 million for the breach of his fundamental rights. However, the judge struck out the prayer for the cost of filing and prosecuting the case.
Implications and Future Considerations
This ruling not only reaffirms the protection of individual rights against governmental actions but also sets a precedent for future cases involving the abuse of power and human rights violations. The decision is a significant victory for the deposed Emir and a reminder of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional rights.
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