A Federal High Court in Kano ordered the Kano State Government to pay N10 million in compensation to Emir Aminu Bayero for violating his human rights. The ruling criticizes Governor Abba Yusuf's unlawful arrest directive, underscoring constitutional breaches and restrictions on Bayero's movement.
A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled in favor of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, ordering the Kano State Government to pay him N10 million as compensation for violating his fundamental human rights. Justice Simon Amobeda delivered the judgment, criticizing Governor Abba Yusuf's directive to arrest Bayero as unlawful, leading to his confinement under house arrest to avoid apprehension.
The case stemmed from Bayero's plea to enforce his fundamental rights following the governor's order, which involved multiple respondents including the Attorney General of the Federation and Kano State, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police in Kano, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Navy. The court specifically restrained the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents from further infringing on Bayero's rights through arrest, detention, or harassment.
In his ruling, Justice Amobeda condemned the governor's action as a blatant violation of Bayero's liberty and freedom of movement as stipulated under Sections 35(1) and 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution. The judgment highlighted the unlawful nature of the arrest directive, which severely restricted Bayero's ability to conduct his lawful activities.
The court ordered the Kano State Government and the Attorney General to compensate Bayero with N10 million for the breach of his rights. However, the request for additional costs related to the suit was denied due to insufficient pleading and strict proof.
