Yola High Court Fixes Nov. 4 for Defence Witnesses in Fufore Emirate Creation Suit

From Umar Dankano, Yola

A High Court sitting in Yola has fixed November 3 and 4, 2025, for defence counsels to open their case in the ongoing legal suit challenging the creation of the Fufore Emirate Council by the Adamawa State Government.

Justice Musa Usman of High Court No. 4, Yola, announced the dates on Wednesday after the prosecution team closed its presentation of witnesses and evidence before the court. He urged counsels to properly guide their witnesses in subsequent proceedings to ensure efficient use of time and resources.

It will be recalled that the Adamawa State Government earlier this year created the Fufore Emirate out of the existing Adamawa Emirate — a move that prompted three concerned citizens, Alhaji Musa Halilu Ahmed (Dujiman Adamawa), Alhaji Mustapha Dahiru Mustapha (Yeriman Adamawa), and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed (Sarkin Noma Adamawa), to challenge the process in court, describing it as a distortion of the Fombina dynasty’s heritage.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, the lead prosecution counsel, Muhammad M. Nurudeen (SAN), said the plaintiffs had presented and concluded their evidence before the court.

“We have called our four witnesses and concluded our evidence today. The court has adjourned to the 3rd and 4th of November for the defence — that is, for the government and the new emir — to present their own witnesses,” Nurudeen said.

When asked what to expect next, Nurudeen explained that the defence would present its witnesses for examination and cross-examination, after which the court would adjourn for final addresses from both parties.

In his reaction, the Adamawa State Attorney-General and third respondent in the case, Hon. Afraimu Jingi, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the litigation, noting that the court would determine the credibility of the plaintiffs’ evidence.

“What we have done yesterday and today was to take the evidence of the plaintiffs. They listed five witnesses but were only able to call four, all of whom we cross-examined thoroughly to our satisfaction,” Jingi said.

“We are satisfied with the proceedings so far. We don’t have any burden — the burden lies on the plaintiffs to prove their claims.”