KANO, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Kano has issued a restraining order preventing the Kano State Government from implementing the new emirate law, which resulted in the dethronement of the five emirs in the state and the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.
Despite the court order, Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Mr. Sanusi on Friday, following the state House of Assembly’s passage of a bill that abolished the four emirates created under the 2019 law.
This move was in direct defiance of the Federal High Court’s order issued on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The court order, issued by Justice A.M. Liman in suit number FHC/KN/CS/182/2024, directed the state government and other involved parties to halt the implementation of the new emirate law until the substantive case is heard.
Aminu Dan’agundi, a title holder in the Kano emirate, filed the suit challenging the government’s decision.
Governor Yusuf, after presenting Mr. Sanusi with his letter of reinstatement, criticized Justice Liman for issuing the restraining order while not being in the country.
Nonetheless, the state commissioner of police, Muhammad Gumel, emphasized the importance of complying with the court’s directive.
At a press conference attended by the heads of security agencies in Kano, Commissioner Gumel stated that all security agencies would enforce the court order.
He urged all parties to adhere to the legal ruling and warned that security forces would maintain peace and order, arresting anyone who attempts to breach it.
“The security agencies in the state will ensure peace and order and arrest anyone who causes a breach,” Commissioner Gumel said.
The legal and political tussle over the emirate system in Kano continues to generate significant tension.
