Court stops Sanusi’s reinstatement as Emir of Kano

A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order stopping the Kano State Government from reinstalling Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf had, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, signed the amended Kano State Emirates Council bill into law.

The bill, which was passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, dissolved the Emirate Council and sacked the five Emirs appointed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Yusuf also approved the return of Sanusi, who was deposed in 2020, to the seat.

The governor gave the deposed Emirs a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate their official residences and palaces.

He also directed them to hand over all affairs to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Following the development, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate, Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, filed an application to halt the enforcement of the law.

Ex-CBN Gov Sanusi Lamido reinstated as Emir of Kano

The respondents are the Kano State Government, the State House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Granting the order, presiding judge Justice Mohammed Liman said: “Parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into law pending the hearing of the fundamental rights application.

“In view of the constitutional and jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the court on same at the hearing of the fundamental rights application which is fixed for the 3rd of June, 2024.

“In order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an interim injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the fifth to eight respondents (CP, IGP, NSCDC, and DSS) from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalising the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law.”

“Parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into law pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.”

Justice Liman, therefore, adjourned the case to June 3, 2024, for the hearing of the fundamental rights application.

The Star