Mohamed Garba
In a significant development, the Federal Appeal Court in Abuja has struck out the fundamental human rights case filed by Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, against Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano.
The court ruled that Bayero’s case lacked merit and could not withstand legal scrutiny.
The Appeal Court dismissed Bayero’s claim of jurisdiction, stating that the claim was primarily related to chieftaincy matters, which fall outside the scope of fundamental human rights.
The court held that the Federal High Court had overstepped its bounds by intervening in a matter that should be resolved under the Kano State Emirate Council law.
Similarly, a Kano State High Court had previously restrained Bayero and four other deposed emirs from parading themselves as emirs in Kano State. The Appeal Court’s decision has further solidified Sanusi II’s position as the rightful Emir of Kano.
The court’s ruling emphasized that the State High Court, not the Federal High Court, has jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters under the Nigerian Constitution. With this victory, Sanusi II successfully defended his position as the Emir of Kano.
