The Taraba State High Court, under the leadership of Hon. Justice Nuhu S. Adi, has approved a judicial review of the proceedings and decisions made by the Taraba State Council of Chiefs on December 30, 2024.  

In addition to granting the review, the court issued an interim order directing all parties involved in the leadership dispute over the Sansani Chiefdom to maintain the status quo until the main motion is heard.  

The case, filed as motion no: TRSJ/12M/2025, was brought forward by applicants Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan (Barayan Sansani), Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdullahi (Sarkin Yaki Sansani), Alhaji Yahaya Salihu (Sarkin Duku), and the Sansani Chiefdom. The applicants are challenging the Council of Chiefs' decisions and seeking judicial intervention.  

Respondents in the matter include the Taraba State Government, the Attorney General of Taraba State, the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Taraba State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Manu Ishyaku Ada Ali (Aku-Uku of Wukari), and six other individuals connected to the leadership of the Sansani Chiefdom.  

On January 13, 2025, the court granted an order of certiorari, permitting a review of the Council of Chiefs' decisions and proceedings. This order allows the court to potentially nullify actions taken regarding the chiefdom's leadership.  

Justice Adi emphasized the importance of judicial oversight in this matter, stating that the application presented sufficient merit to warrant intervention. He ruled, “Leave is hereby granted to the Applicants to apply for judicial review of the proceedings and/or decisions of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs.”  

The ruling also freezes any actions or decisions related to the Sansani Chiefdom’s leadership until the next hearing, scheduled for January 23, 2025.  

The applicants, represented by Isa Buba Esq., argue that the Council’s decisions were biased and necessitate legal scrutiny.  

The dispute over the leadership of the Sansani Chiefdom has drawn significant attention from local stakeholders and traditional authorities, reflecting the increasing tendency to resolve chieftaincy conflicts through judicial means in Taraba State.  

As the matter awaits further deliberation, the High Court’s eventual ruling is expected to carry significant implications for the leadership structure and administrative future of the Sansani Chiefdom.