Court Affirms Indigenous Status for Hausas in Jos North

On Tuesday, Justice C. Donglong delivered a judgment in a case involving Fatima Baba Akawu and Baba Alhaji Akawu against the Jos North Local Government Area regarding the denial of indigenous certificates.

The court addressed four key issues, including whether Fatima Baba Akawu, born in Jos North, is entitled to recognition as an indigenous person despite her Hausa ethnic origin. The court found that the denial of her application constituted discriminatory practices, violating sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Justice Donglong emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of all Nigerian citizens against ethnic discrimination. The ruling also recognized Baba Alhaji Akawu's status as a bona fide indigenous person, affirming that their biological children, including Fatima, are entitled to indigenous certificates.

The court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the local government from further discriminatory practices.