§ 26. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the reported reasons for the abdication and flight of the Emir of Sokoto, Northern Nigeria; whether this Emir is now in French territory; and whether a successor has been chosen in Sokoto and recognised by the British authorities?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)The Acting-Governor of Nigeria reports that the ex-Sultan was proved to have used his authority to procure two gross miscarriages of justice, in which one person was sentenced to three years' and four persons to one year's imprisonment. At the time when he abdicated, inquiry was also being made into the following charges: issue of compulsory loan at usurious rates, compulsory sale of goods to minor officials, and interference for his own benefit with the free sale of corn and goods in the market. He shocked and offended his subjects and Mohammedans generally by dealings with sorcerers. He is now in French territory. His successor has been chosen by the traditional electorate and approved by the Acting-Governor.