The legal team of the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll is set to take legal action against the arrest and banishment of the immediate past Emir of the Kano emirate.
The team led by AB Mahmud, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has given the Nigeria Police, the entire security agents and the Nigeria Attorney General of the Federation, an ultimatum to immediately release the deposed Emir and allow him to reunite with his family.
Speaking to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday, AB Muhmud (SAN) said they have since received instructions from the Emir through his Chief of Staff to challenge the legality of the Emir’s detention and banishment.
“We are of the firm view that this action is illegal and unconstitutional. Section 35 of our constitution guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, and the basis for the denial of personal liberty are set out clearly in this section of the constitution and none applies to the case of the Emir Sanusi”, he added.
Barrister AB Muhmud SAN pointed out that the archaic practice of banishment of dethroned Emirs was a colonial practice which has no basis under the Nigerian constitution.
” We are totally perplexed at the resort to this practice in present-day Nigeria by its political leaders, this is because the illegality of this practice was pronounced by the Nigeria Court of Appeal in Attorney General Kebbi State Vs HRH Alhaji All Mustapha Jakolo and others 2013 LPELR 22349/CA where the Court pronounced it as illegal and unconstitutional and gross violation of the right of the Emir.
“Therefore, we call on the authorities and in particular, Inspector General of Police, Director General DSS and Attorney General to ensure the immediate release of HH Muhammadu Sanusi II so that he can be reunited with his families.
“We are concerned about his personal safety and security. All well-meaning Nigerians and the International Community should bring their influence to bear in this case to ensure he is released.
” The legal team of HH Muhammadu Sanusi II are working both in Kano and Abuja and unless he is released immediately, we will take appropriate legal action”, they warned.
