The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has reaffirmed its earlier decision regarding the unlawful dethronement of Alhaji Almustapha Haruna Jakolo, the 19th Emir of Gwandu. Presiding Judge Justice Ebiowei Tobi dismissed the Kebbi State Government’s appeal, stating it lacked merit.
Justice Tobi endorsed the prior ruling by Justice Abbas Ahman of the Kebbi State High Court, which declared the emir’s deposition illegal and in violation of due process. The court emphasized that Jakolo was not afforded a fair chance to defend himself against the accusations made against him, which violated his fundamental human rights.
Jakolo was dethroned by the Kebbi State Government in June 2005 during the administration of former Governor Muhammadu Adamu Aliero. Justice Tobi reiterated that the deposition was unlawful and due process was not observed.
Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo, who served as Aide de Camp to former Head of State Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), became the Emir of Gwandu in July 1995 after his father’s death. Following his removal, he was exiled to Lafia, Nasarawa State. The Kebbi State Government alleged that he made statements threatening national security, had strained relationships with other traditional rulers, and abandoned his throne for Kaduna.
Former Kebbi State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mohammed Audi Ambursa, had announced Jakolo’s dethronement, asserting that Governor Aliero acted within the powers granted by the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) laws of the state. Major General Muhammad Bashir Iliyasu (rtd) was subsequently appointed as the 20th Emir of Gwandu.
Following the ruling, Barrister Pascal C. Onyetobi, representing Jakolo, hailed the judgment as a significant step in his client’s quest for justice, noting that Jakolo has won his appeal three times in a row and is now awaiting a final ruling from the Supreme Court.
In response, Barrister Maikyau SAN, representing the Kebbi State Government, indicated that they would review the ruling and consider appealing to the Supreme Court, stating, “We will study the case and are likely to go back to the Supreme Court, where the matter may reach its conclusion.”