The ongoing Kano emirship tussle has taken another turn, raising concerns of potential anarchy if not swiftly addressed, warns the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).
In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Kano has ordered the eviction of the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, from the Gidan Rumfa Palace. The court has also mandated the police to ensure that all rights and privileges are restored to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
This comes after Emir Bayero was deposed last week following the passage and signing into law of the amended Kano Emirate Council bill by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Presiding over the case, Justice S. A. Amobeda issued the ex parte order on Tuesday, emphasizing that the decision was made in the interest of justice and to maintain peace in Kano.
The court order stipulates, “An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies, or any other person or authority from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the Applicant, raiding, tampering with; …or visiting the Applicant’s premises in order to arrest or infringe on his rights or in any other way attempt to infringe the Applicant’s rights pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion.
“An order restraining the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Respondents and all other Respondents from denying the Applicant the use of his official residence and palace at the Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu; …as well as enjoyment of all rights and privileges accrued to him by virtue of being the Emir of Kano State and evicting anyone residing within the palace illegally pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.”
The case has been adjourned to June 4, 2024, for further hearing.
This ruling follows closely on the heels of an order by a state high court, presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, which granted an injunction restraining the eviction of Emir Sanusi II. The complexities of this legal battle continue to unfold, as documented by investigative journalism from Alaro of Nigeria.
