The Court of Appeal in Abuja has directed a fresh hearing in the ongoing legal tussle over the Kano Emirate involving Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero. The court ruled that Bayero was unfairly treated by the Kano High Court, which conducted proceedings without giving him a chance to defend himself.

In its judgment, Justice Mohammed Mustapha stated that the Kano High Court violated Bayero’s right to a fair hearing by not serving him a hearing notice. This prevented him from presenting his side of the case, a situation the Appeal Court described as a significant failure of justice.

Justice Mustapha stressed that courts are obligated to ensure fairness by giving all parties equal opportunities to present their cases. He condemned the conduct of the Kano High Court, labeling it a “travesty of justice.”

To rectify the situation, the Appeal Court ordered the case to be returned to the Chief Judge of Kano State. The Chief Judge must assign the matter to a new judge for a swift and fair determination. Despite ruling in Bayero’s favor, the Appeal Court chose not to impose any costs on the respondents in the case.

This ruling emphasizes the importance of fairness and due process in Nigeria’s judicial system.