Governor Abba Yusuf defends arrest of dethroned Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has defended his decision to order the arrest of the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, stating that the action was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Yusuf explained that Ado-Bayero’s decision to return to Kano State just two days after his dethronement posed a significant security risk, prompting the need for his arrest.

This statement was in response to an article titled “A Rendezvous with Recklessness and Executive Rascality,” written by Bala Ibrahim, which accused the governor of reckless and irresponsible use of power.

Speaking through his spokesman, Sunusi Bature, Governor Yusuf clarified that the repeal of the 2019 Kano Emirate Law empowered him to abolish the new emirates created by his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Recently, the Kano Federal High Court ordered the state government to pay Ado-Bayero N10 million for violating his fundamental rights, including personal liberty and freedom of movement. Justice Simon Amobeda cited Sections 35(1) and 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, stating that Yusuf’s order to arrest Ado-Bayero lacked lawful justification, effectively placing the former emir under house arrest due to fear of being detained.

In a statement, Bature questioned Bala Ibrahim’s understanding of government operations. He emphasized that the repeal of the 2019 Kano Emirate Law and the enactment of the Kano Emirate Law in 2024 granted Governor Yusuf the authority to abolish the five emirates and restore Kano to its historical status as a single emirate.

“This reflects the will of the people of Kano State. The reappointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was also anticipated, as his previous dethronement and banishment by Abdullahi Ganduje were driven by malice,” Bature stated.

He further explained that the arrest of Aminu Ado-Bayero was a measure taken in the public interest due to the security threat his return posed. Bature underscored that Governor Abba Yusuf, as the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, could not ignore potential threats to peace and stability, emphasizing that the governor’s actions were aimed at preventing anarchy.