Kaduna State High Court has adjourned ruling on jurisdiction to a later date in a suit filed by a former Zazzau Emirate’s kingmakers, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Aminu, seeking dethronement of the 19th Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
The former Kingmaker, Alhaji Aminu, who participated in the appointment process of the Emir, had dragged the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i and 13 others to the state High Court, seeking removal of Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli as Emir of Zazzau.
Among the 13 other respondents in the case are: the Emir, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and the late Limamin Kona, Malam Sani Aliyu who died in July 2021.
Bamalli, who is the former Nigeria Ambassador to Thailand, was appointed the 19th Emir of Zazzau on Wednesday 7th October 2020 by Governor Nasir El-Rufai outside the recommendation made to him by the Zazzau Emirate Kingmakers.
Ibrahim Mohammed Aminu, who held the position of Wazirin Zazzau, a title that qualified him as one of the kingmakers, is seeking nullification of the appointment of Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and his removal as the Emir of Zazzau.
Meanwhile, Counsels to the respondents had filed preliminary objections before the High Court 4 presided over by Justice Isah Aliyu, saying that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case, even as the plaintiff lacks the locus standi to challenge the Emir’s appointment and enthronement.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court session, Counsel to the Zazzau Emirate and the Emir, Abdul Ibrahim (SAN) said they were challenging the locus standi of the plaintiff to institute the case because he is not a member of any of the Zazzau’s ruling houses and he did not contest the Emirship position.
Also, Counsel to the Plaintiff, B.M Bello Esq. said, his client is challenging the qualification of Emir Bamalli and wants his appointment nullified and removed from office as Emir of Zazzau.
He said the respondents’ counsels had filed preliminary objections, saying the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case. “Now, the court has adjourned for ruling on the matter, as to whether it has jurisdiction or not”.
