A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled that the Kano State Government must pay ₦10 million in compensation to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, for violating his fundamental human rights.
Presiding over the case, Justice Simon Amobeda delivered the judgment on Friday, supporting Aminu Bayero’s claim for the enforcement of his rights. Justice Amobeda declared that the order by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to arrest the deposed Emir was unlawful, resulting in Bayero being placed under house arrest out of fear of being detained.
The lawsuit named several respondents, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, the DSS, the NSCDC, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Airforce and Navy.
The judge also issued a restraining order preventing these respondents from arresting, detaining, threatening, or harassing Aminu Bayero, thereby ensuring no further interference with his fundamental rights.
In his ruling, Justice Amobeda stated, “The Governor of Kano State’s directive to arrest the applicant without lawful justification is a violation of the applicant’s right to liberty under Section 35(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.”
He further ordered, “The Kano State Government must pay ₦10 million to the applicant for breaching his rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement, as guaranteed by the Constitution.”
However, the court denied the request for reimbursement of legal fees, as it was not specifically pleaded and proved.
