Sanusi Will Sue To Join Family In Lagos – Lawyer

By Supo Giwa

The deposed emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi chose Lagos as his place of exile but was forced to go to Loko in Nasarawa State his lawyers said at a press conference in Kano on Tuesday.

Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN who spoke to newsmen said that an aircraft provided by the deposed emir’s friend was not allowed to carry him as only his family was conveyed to Lagos by the aircraft.

Affirming the determination of the emir to challenge his banishment to Nasarawa State, Mahmoud said:  

“In the letter of deposition, it was stated that the Emir was to be removed to Nassarawa State. We requested to know if he was under arrest and if so we needed to see the warrant.  The Commissioner of Police informed us that he was not under arrest.

“We informed the Commissioner of Police that was illegal and violation of his constitutional rights to remove to Nassarawa State against his wish.  The Emir informed the Commissioner of Police that his friends had sent an aircraft to fly him and his family to Lagos and requested that they should be provided with necessary security to the airport so that he could leave. 

“The Commissioner refused saying that was not their instruction.  They were willing to allow the family to leave for Lagos but he was to be flown to Abuja then onwards taken to Nassarawa State. 

“It was clear to us that both the Emir and ourselves were helpless and the police and other security agents were willing to take any measure and use force to achieve their objective. 

“In order not to jeopardize the Emir’s safety or the safety of any member of his family or indeed other persons around, the Emir decided to cooperate and proceed in the vehicles provided by the operatives. We accompanied the Commissioner of Police to the Nigerian Airforce base in Kano where the Emir was put a private aircraft and departed at about 6.40pm. 

“The family subsequently boarded the aircraft arranged by his friends and departed for Lagos about 15 minutes later.

“Gentlemen, 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 am this morning.

“We understand the choice of location to detain HH Muhammadu Sanusi II 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 the Emirs 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 the Emir. 

“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 HH Muhammadu Sanusi II so that he can be reunited with his family.

“We are concerned about the personal safety and security  of HH Muhammdu Sanusi II and wish to call on all well meaning Nigerians and the International Community to bring their influence to bear to ensure that HH Muhammadu Sanusi regains his liberty immediately and to guaranty his safety and security.

“The legal team of HH are working both in Kano and Abuja and unless he is released immediately, we will be taking appropriate legal action.”

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