Fufore Emirate: Legal fireworks as plaintiff witnesses give testimony
By Mohammed Ismail, Yola
A fierce legal battle has ensued before Justice Musa Usman of Adamawa State High Court IV as plaintiff witnesses testify in the ongoing legal battle to set aside the creation of the newly created Fufore Emirate council.
The case, which has become one of the most closely watched traditional and constitutional disputes in the state, pits three senior titleholders of the Adamawa Emirate against the state government and its newly installed emir of Fufore.
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The plaintiffs, Musa Halilu Ahmed (Dujima Adamawa), Alhaji Mustapha Dahiru Mustapha (Yeriman Adamawa), and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmad (Sarkin Noma Adamawa) are challenging Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s decision to create a separate emirate of Fufore out of Adamawa emirate council, arguing that the action violates the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law and undermines the historical and cultural integrity of the Adamawa Emirate.
The state government, Governor Fintiri, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Afraimu K. Jingi, and the Emir of Fufore, Muhammad Sani Ribadu, are listed as the defendants in the suit.
During the latest proceedings in Yola, four key witnesses for the plaintiffs including renowned historian Professor Alkasum Abba, Dujima Adamawa, Musa Halilu Ahmed, Sarkin Noma Mustapha Ahmad, and Umar Yahaya, the Secretary of the Adamawa Emirate Council were cross-examined by Chief Lenon Zedon, counsel to the first, second and fourth defendants, and the Attorney General, Afraimu Jingi, who is personally representing himself as the third defendant.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was charged, as sharp exchanges between the counsel ensued reflecting the intensity of the legal tussle.
The proceedings were characterized by spasmodic and fiery brickbats, as lawyers traded legal arguments over the historical legitimacy and legality of the government’s action.
After the cross-examinations, counsel to the plaintiffs, Manga Nurudden (SAN), announced the closure of the plaintiffs’ case.
Justice Musa Usman then adjourned the matter to November 3rd and 4th November, 2025 when the defence is expected to open its case.
Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, Manga Nurudden (SAN) described the proceedings as a significant milestone.
“We have called our four witnesses and concluded our evidence today. The court has adjourned to the 4th and 5th of November for the defence that is, for the government and the new emir to bring their own witnesses,” Nurudden said.
When asked what to expect when the defence opens its case, he said, “they will bring their witnesses, who will be examined and cross-examined. After that, the court will adjourn for final addresses from both sides.”
Nurudden reaffirmed the plaintiffs’ confidence in the judicial process, insisting that the facts of the case are clear and that the creation of the Fufore Emirate was done outside the confines of the law.
“The plaintiffs have made a strong case. The government’s action violated established procedures and historical conventions. We are confident that justice will prevail,” he added.
In his reaction, Afraimu K. Jingi, the Adamawa State Attorney General and third defendant in the case, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the trial so far.
“What we have done yesterday and today was to take the evidence of the plaintiffs. They listed five witnesses but were able to call four. We have cross-examined them thoroughly to our satisfaction,” Jingi told reporters.
He maintained that it was now up to the court to determine the credibility of the plaintiffs’ evidence.
“We are satisfied with what has happened. We don’t have any burden; the burden lies on the plaintiffs to prove their claims,” he added.
When asked to respond to allegations that the government failed to follow due process in creating the emirate, Jingi dismissed the claim.
“It is the same witness who admitted that he has not read the law or the gazette. So, how could he know whether due process was followed? These are matters for the court to decide,” the Attorney General said.
It may be recalled that the court has earlier rejected an application by Governor Fintiri and the state government to stay proceedings pending an appeal.
Justice Musa Usman, in that ruling, declared that the applications by the defence were “frivolous and aimed at halting the cause of justice,”insisting that the trial must proceed.
The plaintiffs have consistently argued that the government’s creation of the Fufore Emirate was not only unlawful but also politically motivated, designed to weaken the influence of the Adamawa Emirate.
They maintain that the creation breached statutory provisions that regulate the process for establishing new traditional councils in the state.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Nurudden (SAN), had earlier accused the defence of resorting to “technical delays” to obstruct justice. According to him, the government should have admitted its mistake and reversed the creation instead of “hiding under legal technicalities.”
However, the state government maintains that all constitutional and procedural requirements were followed and insists that the decision to establish the Fufore Emirate was in line with the administration’s policy to promote inclusiveness and decentralization of traditional institutions.
