The Federal High Court in Kano has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammad Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano, just a month after Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf restored him to the throne. The court also invalidated all actions taken following Sanusi’s controversial reinstatement.
In response, the Kano State Government has announced plans to appeal the judgment. Commissioner for Information Baba Dantiye confirmed this decision via text message, stating, “Yes, it’s going to be appealed.”
The judgment arose from a suit filed by Aminu Babba Danagundi, a member of the former Kano Emirate, who challenged the removal of the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero. Justice Abdullahi Liman ruled that all steps taken by the government regarding Sanusi’s reinstatement were null and void. Liman emphasized that the government’s actions violated a previous court order to maintain the status quo pending a hearing.
Liman had previously restrained the Kano State Government from implementing a new emirate law, but the government disregarded this injunction. Liman criticized the government’s non-compliance, warning that such actions could not go unpunished.
The judgment has intensified the ongoing crisis in Kano, which has been fraught with tension since Bayero’s dethronement and Sanusi’s reappointment on May 23, 2024. Despite the court’s ruling, Kano’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, interpreted the judgment as reaffirming Sanusi’s reappointment. He called on the police to evict Bayero from the Nasarawa palace, stating that the property would be demolished for reconstruction.
Dederi explained, “The Kano State Government acknowledges the ruling and views it as upholding the rule of law. By this ruling, Sanusi remains the emir of Kano, and the government has directed the police to remove the deposed emir from government property.”
Sanusi was first appointed Emir in 2014 but was deposed in 2019 by former Governor Umar Ganduje. Following a legal battle, he was reinstated after the Kano State House of Assembly repealed the emirate division laws introduced by Ganduje.
The conflict has resulted in multiple contradictory court rulings. Justices from both the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court have issued opposing orders regarding the emirate tussle, leading to significant legal confusion.
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the conflicting orders, calling for an investigation into the actions of the involved judges and lawyers.
In an effort to maintain peace, the Kano State Police Command has reiterated a ban on public protests, processions, and unlawful gatherings. The command has deployed security personnel across the city to prevent unrest and ensure the safety of residents.
Despite the court’s ruling, Kano remained calm on Thursday evening. Residents continued their daily activities, and security forces maintained a presence at key locations, including the palaces occupied by Sanusi and Bayero. Supporters of Bayero were seen discussing the latest developments outside the Nasarawa mini-palace.
