The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled in favour of former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, ordering a fresh hearing in the ongoing legal tussle over the Kano Emirate involving him and Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Mohammed Mustapha declared that Sanusi was denied fair hearing by the Kano High Court, which conducted proceedings without serving him a hearing notice. This failure, the appellate court ruled, amounted to a grave travesty of justice.
“All courts of law are bound to ensure justice for all parties by giving them equal opportunities to present their case. The lack of hearing notice in this case was a fundamental breach,” Justice Mustapha said.
The Court of Appeal directed that the case be returned to the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court for reassignment to another judge, ensuring an expeditious and fair trial.
Justice Mustapha also refrained from awarding costs against the respondents, underscoring the court’s focus on ensuring justice without prejudice.
The ruling marks a significant victory for Sanusi, who has been at the center of the contentious battle over the Kano Emirate, and reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to upholding due process and fair hearing.
