The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside a ruling by the Kano State High Court that barred Aminu Ado-Bayero and four other dethroned emirs—representing the traditional councils of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—from functioning as traditional rulers. This decision was announced on Friday, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the Kano throne.
A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Mohammed Mustapha, delivered the judgment. The appellate court declared that the lower court’s ruling, issued on July 15, 2024, was invalid due to breaches of fair hearing. It stressed that the earlier decision failed to adhere to the principles of justice and impartiality, undermining the integrity of the legal process.
In its decision, the Court of Appeal ordered that the matter be reassigned to a different judge in the Kano State High Court for a fresh hearing. This step, it explained, was necessary to restore confidence in the judicial process and ensure an unbiased resolution of the case.
The court further highlighted the flaws in the legal procedures and findings of the Kano High Court, stating they were “tainted by breaches of fair hearing.” This judgment emphasizes the appellate court’s role in safeguarding fairness and transparency in legal proceedings.
