Correspondent in Abuja.
The banishment of the deposed Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II from Kano State is unlawful and unconstitutional,A Federal High Court, Abuja, declared on Tuesday.
Justice Anwuli Chikere,who gave the declaration in a judgment, held that the Emirate Council Law, 2019, used by the state government in banishing Sanusi was in conflict with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
Justice Chikere added that the constitution of Nigeria is supreme, pointing out that any law not consistent with it shall be null and void.
The judge further declared that the former emir had the right to live anywhere, including Kano State, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The Reporters recalls that Sanusi,a one time Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was dethroned on March 9, 2020.
Not satisfied by his banishment, Sanusi, on March 12, 2020, sued the Inspector-General of Police and Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) to court on what he called “unlawful detention/confinement.”
Also joined in the motion with suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/357/2020 were the Attorney-General of Kano State and Attorney General of the Federation as 3rd and 4th respondents respectively.
Even though Sanusi was not challenging his dethronement, the former emir, however, sought an interim order of the court releasing him from the detention and/or confinement of the respondents and restoring his right to human dignity, personal liberty.
He also challenged the respondents for harassing him and violating his rights.
Justice Chikere, who struck out the name of the AGF from the suit, also restrained the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents from further harassing him.
The court, which awarded N10 million fine against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents, also ordered them to tender public apology in two national dailies.
Edited by Dada Ahmed with agency report.
