Kano: Deposed Emir Sanusi’s Banishment Nullified

By James Orji

Dethroned Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has received a boost to his legal action against the Kano state government, more than 20 months after he was removed from office and banished.

A federal high court in Abuja, has nullified his banishment and awarded N10 million against the Kano state government for banishing the former emir from the state. The court also directed the state government to issue a public apology to the deposed emir.

Sanusi, a former Central bank Governor was dethroned and banished on March 9, 2020 by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, over what the state government described as insubordination to constituted authority and violation of extant laws.

While announcing Sanusi’s dethronement, in March 2020, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG Usman Alhaji, said the former Emir had no respect for the governor of the state, and disregards his instructions.

According to Alhaji “Kano State Executive Council, under the chairmanship of the incumbent governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has unanimously approved the immediate removal/dethronement of the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.

“The Emir of Kano is in total disrespect of lawful instructions from the office of the state governor and other lawful authorities, including his refusal to attend official meetings and programmes organised by the government without any justification which amounts to total insubordination.

“It is on record and in so many instances, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II has been found breaching part 3 section 13 (a-e) of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and which if left unchecked, will destroy the good and established image of the Kano Emirate.

“This removal is made after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders and in compliance with part 3 section 13 of the Kano State Emirate law and other reasons stated above.

“The removal is reached in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of Kano Emirate built over a thousand years

But on Tuesday, the court presided by Justice Anwuli Chikere declared as unlawful and a violation of Sanusi’s fundamental human rights, his banishment from Kano and forceful relocation to Awe in Nasarawa State.

Justice Chikere said the manner Sanusi was removed and later banished to Nasarawa state, against his will was wrong. He held that the former emir did not commit any offence to warrant such treatment, and the state government’s action a violation of his rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.

The judge, declared as a nullity, the Emirate Council Law 2019 under which the Kano State government claimed to have banished the former emir, adding that Sanusi had not committed any offence to warrant his movement from being restricted. He said Sanusi was entitled to reside in any part of the country.