BEVERLY HILLS, March 11, (THEWILL) – The legal team of the deposed Emir Sanusi of Kano led by Abubakar Mahmoud has said it would challenge the banishment of Sanusi to Loko local government in Nasarawa State.
Mahmoud, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and leader of the team said this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Kano.
“We have not spoken to the Emir since yesterday, but we understand they are at their destination somewhere in a remote part of Nassarawa State after driving for nearly seven hours in the night and arrived at about 2.00 a.m., this morning.
“We understand the choice of location to detain Sanusi was intended to cause maximum trauma and distress. This again is illegal and unconstitutional.
“According to instructions we received from the Emir through his Chief of Staff, we are directed to take legal action to challenge the legality of his 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. The basis of the denial of personal liberty are set out clearly in this Section of the Constitution. None applies to the case of Sanusi.
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“The archaic practice of banishment of deposed Emirs, a colonial practice has no basis under Nigerian law or Constitution. We are totally perplexed at the resort to this practice in present day Nigeria by its political leaders.
“The illegality of such practice was pronounced by the Court of Appeal in Attorney General Kebbi State vs. former Emir of Kwandu, Alhaji Al-Mustapha Jakolo and ors 2013 LPELR 22349/CA where the Court pronounced it as illegal and unconstitutional and gross violation of the rights of the Emir.
“This is what the court said in that case: The banishment and deportation from Kebbi State by the governor of Kebbi State of the first respondent Jokolo to Lafia in Nassarawa State and later to Obi also in Nassarawa State is most unconstitutional and illegal.
“We call on the authorities, in particular the Inspector General, the Director General of Department State Services and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to ensure the immediate release of Sanusi II so that he can be reunited with his family.
“We are concerned about his personal safety and security, and wish to call on all well meaning Nigerians and the International Community to bring their influence to bear to ensure that he regains his liberty immediately and to guaranty his safety and security.
“We, the legal team of the dethroned Emir, are working both in Kano and Abuja and unless he is released immediately, we will be taking appropriate legal action.”
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