The legal team of dethroned emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has vowed to challenge the banishment of the monarch in court.
Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud SAN, head of the legal team disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday.
According to Mahmoud, “We have not spoken to the Emir since yesterday (Monday), 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 (Tuesday).
“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.
“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.”
It can be recalled that the Ganduje had on Monday removed Sanusi and appointed Aminu Ado-Bayero as the emir of Kano.
