By Emmanuel Kwada
In a packed courtroom charged with tension, the Yola High Court, under the stewardship of Justice Musa Usman, adjourned proceedings to July 14, 2025, to deliver a pivotal ruling on jurisdictional challenges in the high-stakes legal battle over the controversial creation of the Fufore Emirate in Adamawa State.
The adjournment, announced late Monday after a day of heated legal arguments, underscores the deepening divide over the state government’s decision to establish the new emirate, a move that has ignited cultural and political debates across the region.
The court was initially set to convene at 9:00 AM for the continuation of the suit filed by prominent traditional titleholders—Musa Halilu Ahmed (Dujima Adamawa), Alh. Mustapha Dahiru Mustapha (Yeriman Adamawa), and Alh. Mustapha Ahmad (Sarkin Noma Adamawa)—who are seeking to nullify the Fufore Emirate’s creation.
However, proceedings were delayed until noon due to the non-appearance of the plaintiff’s lead counsel, Afraimu Jingi, who also serves as Adamawa State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. The absence set a contentious tone for the day, with both legal teams locking horns over procedural and substantive issues.
The defense argues that the court must resolve this jurisdictional question before delving into the substantive suit, warning that any proceedings conducted without proper jurisdiction would be legally void
At the heart of Monday’s session were two motions filed by the defense counsel, led by Jingi, requesting a stay of proceedings. These motions stem from an appeal lodged at the Court of Appeal, where the defendants—comprising the Adamawa State government, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Attorney General Hapsat Abdulrahman, and the newly installed Emir of Fufore, Muhammad Sani Ribadu—are challenging the Yola High Court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
The defense argues that the court must resolve this jurisdictional question before delving into the substantive suit, warning that any proceedings conducted without proper jurisdiction would be legally void.
The courtroom buzzed as both sides presented their cases on the motions for a stay. Manga Mohammed Nuruddeen, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) representing the plaintiffs, explained the day’s developments to journalists outside the court.
“We had adjourned this matter for hearing, but the defense filed two motions for a stay of proceedings, citing their appeal at the Court of Appeal,” Nuruddeen said. “The court had no choice but to hear arguments on these motions first. That’s what we did today, and now we await the ruling on July 14.”
We had adjourned this matter for hearing, but the defense filed two motions for a stay of proceedings, citing their appeal at the Court of Appeal
Nuruddeen emphasized the ruling’s significance, noting it will determine the case’s trajectory. “If the court grants the stay, the case will be suspended until the Court of Appeal decides on the jurisdiction issue.
“If the motions are dismissed, we can proceed with calling witnesses and presenting evidence,” he elaborated, underscoring the plaintiffs’ readiness to argue their case that the Fufore Emirate’s creation undermines the historical and cultural integrity of the Adamawa Emirate.
The court had no choice but to hear arguments on these motions first. That’s what we did today, and now we await the ruling on July 14
On the other side, Jingi expressed frustration with the court’s handling of their preliminary objection to its jurisdiction. Speaking to reporters, he reiterated the defense’s stance: “We have consistently maintained that the court must first determine whether it has jurisdiction.
In law, any proceedings without jurisdiction are a nullity. We don’t want to waste the court’s time or ours.” Jingi revealed that the defense had hoped for a prompt ruling on their objection but was dismayed when Justice Usman decided to defer it, opting to address jurisdiction alongside the main judgment after evidence is presented.
The plaintiffs wanted to push forward, but we insist the jurisdictional issue must be settled first
“We opposed that approach and filed an appeal,” he said, explaining the basis for their motions for a stay.
Jingi further clarified that Monday’s arguments centered on persuading the court to pause proceedings until the Court of Appeal rules on their challenge. “The plaintiffs wanted to push forward, but we insist the jurisdictional issue must be settled first,” he asserted, framing the defense’s strategy as a commitment to legal propriety.
The legal battle traces its origins to the Adamawa State government’s decision to carve out the Fufore Emirate, a move that has sparked widespread controversy.
The plaintiffs argue that the new emirate, with Muhammad Sani Ribadu as its emir, erodes the cultural heritage, historical lineage, and territorial cohesion of the long-established Adamawa Emirate.
They contend that the creation was procedurally flawed and lacked consultation with key traditional stakeholders, accusing the state government of overstepping its authority.
The defendants, however, defend the emirate’s establishment as a legitimate exercise of governmental power aimed at addressing administrative and traditional needs in Fufore.
The state government has dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims, with Jingi previously arguing that the suit is improperly constituted and should be struck out.
The appeal to the Court of Appeal has now added a new layer of complexity, with both sides digging in for a protracted legal fight
The defense has also secured procedural victories, such as the court’s approval of their motion to file a counter-affidavit out of time, intensifying the legal back-and-forth.
Monday’s adjournment is the latest in a series of delays and procedural disputes that have characterized the case. In earlier hearings, Nuruddeen sought additional time to respond to a cross-affidavit filed by the defense, citing the late submission of their brief of argument.
Meanwhile, Jingi’s attempts to have the suit dismissed on technical grounds were rebuffed, though the defense successfully pushed for their jurisdictional objection to take precedence. The appeal to the Court of Appeal has now added a new layer of complexity, with both sides digging in for a protracted legal fight.
The direction of this case hinges on what happens on July 14
As Nuruddeen aptly summarized, “The direction of this case hinges on what happens on July 14.” Until then, the legal drama over the Fufore Emirate shows no signs of abating, leaving the state in suspense over the fate of its newest emirate.
