Court Order Halts Interference in Maryam Abacha American University Operations
Kano, Nigeria – A Kano High Court has issued an interim injunction, effectively halting any interference by the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and four other entities in the internal and external affairs of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (AAUN), Kano. The order, granted by Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji, was a response to an ex parte motion filed by the university’s management.
The legal proceedings involve several key respondents, including the Kano State Government, the PCACC, the Kano House of Assembly, and the Attorney-General, alongside concerned parents of students at the institution.
The court order, dated December 11, 2025, specifically restrains the named respondents, and any individuals or bodies acting on their behalf, from taking actions such as inviting university officials or otherwise impeding the administrative and academic functions of AAUN. This prohibition is in effect pending the full hearing and determination of the substantive lawsuit.
Furthermore, Justice Ma’aji mandated that all parties involved must maintain the existing status quo concerning the matters in dispute between the university (the applicant) and the first respondent. This directive is to be observed until the originating summons is definitively resolved.
Legal Counsel Emphasizes Due Process
Following the court’s ruling, AAUN’s legal counsel, Zahraddeen M. Bello, expressed satisfaction, stating that the decision underscores the importance of the rule of law and adherence to due process. Bello affirmed that the university remains committed to operating within legal frameworks throughout the pendency of the case.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The court also granted permission for the applicant to formally serve court processes on the fifth respondent at its designated office, located at No. 224 Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Kano.
The matter has been adjourned to December 29, 2025. The court order, bearing the signature and seal of the presiding judge, was officially endorsed by the Principal Registrar of the court, signifying its legal validity.
This injunction comes at a critical juncture for the university, aiming to ensure uninterrupted academic and administrative operations while the legal challenges are addressed. The court’s intervention seeks to provide a stable environment for the institution and its stakeholders during this period. The broader implications of this case may set precedents for how governmental and quasi-governmental bodies interact with private educational institutions in the region. The commitment to due process, as highlighted by the university’s counsel, is a central theme as the legal battle unfolds. The next court date will be crucial in determining the path forward for AAUN and the parties involved.
