The Federal High Court sitting in Kano State has quashed the interim report of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission indicating the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, of misappropriation, fraud, and corruption.
Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, who delivered the ruling in the fundamental human rights suit instituted by the Emir, said not inviting the monarch to defend himself against the allegations brought against him is a breach and infringement of his right to a fair hearing. The report of the Commission had also recommended the suspension of the Emir from office.
The suit was personally instituted by Emir Sanusi on June 7, 2019, seeking the court declaration that the findings of the Commission which investigated the emirate finances without giving him a fair hearing is a breach of his fundamental human rights as contained in Section 36 of the Constitution and therefore an order of the court quashing the report.
Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, who delivered the ruling, held that the release of the interim report without giving the Emir the opportunity for defending himself amounts to a breach of his right to fair hearing which is a principle of natural justice.
Also Read: Nigeria ranks 174th out of 180 countries in child survival
The court dismissed four grounds of the preliminary objection raised by the Commission saying fair hearing is a fundamental right and in conformity with the principles of natural justice.
Counsel for the Commission, Professor Sylvester Shittu SAN, declined comments on the ruling.
The Court awarded N200,000 cost against the Commission.
