The deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has vowed to challenge his banishment in court.
Sanusi’s lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, confirmed this in a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr Mahmoud said the restriction of Sanusi’s movement was unlawful and gross violation of his human rights.
“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 a.m., this morning.
“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,” he said.
The lawyer also said Sanusi was “never given any opportunity to defend himself” against the allegations that led to his dethronement.
Kano State Government had on Monday removed Sanusi from the position and sent him on exile in Nasarawa State.
Sanusi is currently in Awe town in Nasarawa after being moved from Loko, another town in the North-Central state.
