Court of Appeal orders fresh hearing in Kano emirship tussle

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the previous judgment by the Kano State High Court in the protracted emirship tussle involving Aminu Bayero and four other dethroned emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, a three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Mustapha, criticized the high court for procedural lapses that denied Bayero a fair hearing. The appellate court noted that the lower court, presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, conducted its proceedings in a “shoddy manner” and failed to serve Bayero with a hearing notice, effectively preventing him from presenting his case.

Justice Mustapha emphasized that the right to a fair hearing is fundamental, asserting that all courts must provide equal opportunities for all parties involved. He described the lower court’s conduct as a “travesty of justice” and declared its decision invalid.

As a result, the appellate court ordered the case to be reassigned by the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court for a fresh and expeditious hearing before a different judge.

The emirship saga has attracted significant public attention. On May 24, Lamido Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano by Governor Abba Yusuf in a grand ceremony at the Government House. Sanusi’s return followed the repeal of a controversial law enacted by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, which led to Sanusi’s deposition and exile in 2020. The repeal simultaneously facilitated Bayero’s removal.

The appellate court’s directive now sets the stage for a fresh legal battle that will further shape the leadership of the historic Kano emirate.