Court oders release of Sanusi from ‘detention’

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the release of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, from detention in Awe, Nasarawa State.

The judge Justice Anwuli Chikere granted the interim order following an ex parte application moved by Sanusi’s lawyer Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The judge also ordered that the order for the release of the deposed monarch should be served on the respondents to the application.

The respondents are the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu; the Director-General of the Department of State Service, Yusuf Bichi; the Attorney-General of Kano State, Ibrahim Muktar, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Sanusi’s stay on the throne for over six years expired on Monday, March 9, 2020, after the Kano State Government announced his removal.

Secretary to the state government Usman Alhaji said the Sanusi was removed for his “total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the governor and other lawful authorities.”

He stated that Sanusi’s dethronement was necessary to preserve the “sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige” of Kano people.

Hours after Sanusi’s removal, the state government announced Aminu Ado Bayero as the new emir of Kano emirate.

Sanusi’s legal team led by former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) AB Mahmoud (SAN) on Tuesday described Sanusi’s banishment and alleged detention as illegal and unlawful.

Mahmoud issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to release Sanusi or face legal action.

He prayed the court to order his release from “the detention and or confinement of the respondents and to restore his rights to human dignity, personal liberty, freedom of association and movement in Nigeria, (apart from Kano State) pending the hearing and determination of the applicant’s originating summons.”

The judge fixed March 26 for further hearing in the case.