A High Court sitting in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging the creation of the Fufore Emirate to April 3, 2025.
The adjournment, granted by Justice Musa Usman, is to allow the defense counsel time to respond to a cross affidavit filed by the 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 commissioner for justice and attorney general.
Speaking to reporters after the court session, Nuruddeen explained that “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.”
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Afraimo Jingi, stated that the government had initially filed an application to strike out the case, arguing that it was improperly 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 said.
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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 are challenging the establishment of the Fufore Emirate, arguing that it distorts the history, culture, and heritage of the Adamawa Emirate.
The defendants in the suit include the Adamawa State Government, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and the newly appointed Emir of Fufore, Muhammad Sani Ribadu.
The creation of the Fufore Emirate, has sparked controversy, with some stakeholders condemning it, as an attempt to undermine the historical and cultural identity of the Adamawa Emirate.
