A High Court in Yola has adjourned proceedings in the case challenging the creation of the Fufore Emirate to April 3, 2025.
The adjournment, granted by Justice Musa Usman, aims to give the defense counsel time to respond to a cross-affidavit filed by the Adamawa State government.
During Tuesday’s hearing, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, M.M. Nuruddeen (SAN), requested additional time to reply to the state government’s affidavit, which was filed through the Attorney General.
“We had previously taken an adjournment, and the state was supposed to respond within seven days. Unfortunately, their response was delayed.
They applied for an extension, which we accepted, but they also attached a brief of argument that we need to review. The court has now adjourned to April 3 for us to file our reply and proceed with the main motion,” Nuruddeen told reporters after the session.
Adamawa State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Afraimo Jingi, explained that the government had initially filed a motion to strike out the case, arguing that it was not properly constituted. However, the plaintiffs later sought to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal.
“We believe this case does not warrant referral to the Court of Appeal. Therefore, we filed a counter-affidavit, though it was out of time. Today, our application for leave to file the counter-affidavit was granted, and we also argued against referring the case to the appellate court,” Jingi stated.
The lawsuit was filed by prominent members of the Adamawa Emirate, including Musa Halilu Ahmed (Dujima Adamawa), Alhaji Mustapha Dahiru Mustapha (Yeriman Adamawa), and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmad (Sarki Noma Adamawa).
They argue that the creation of the Fufore Emirate distorts the history, culture, and heritage of the Adamawa Emirate.
The defendants in the case include the Adamawa State Government, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Attorney General Hapsat Abdulrahman, and the newly appointed Emir of Fufore, Muhammad Sani Ribadu.
The establishment of the Fufore Emirate, as noticed by WorldClass247News, has sparked controversy, with some stakeholders condemning it as an attempt to undermine the historical and cultural identity of the Adamawa Emirate.
However, the state government has defended the decision, stating that it reflects the aspirations of the people and aims to promote unity and development.