A Federal High Court in Kano has mandated the state government to pay N10 million in compensation to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, for the infringement of his fundamental rights, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

This ruling came in response to Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive to arrest the deposed emir.

Presiding Judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, issued the order while delivering judgment on the case filed by Aminu Bayero, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights. Justice Amobeda ruled that Governor Yusuf’s directive was unlawful and had effectively placed Bayero under house arrest, thereby violating his fundamental right to freedom of movement as guaranteed under Section 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 (as amended).

The respondents in the suit included the Attorney General of the Federation, Kano State Attorney General, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Navy.

Justice Amobeda also issued an injunction restraining the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents from arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing, or further interfering with Bayero’s fundamental rights. However, he denied the prayer for the cost of filing and prosecuting the suit, citing a lack of specific pleading and proof.

“The prayer for the cost of filing and prosecuting this suit is refused, the amount having not been specifically pleaded and strictly proved,” stated Justice Amobeda.