Tensions in Kano as gunfire erupts near Bayero’s temporary home

Tensions escalated in Kano State on Monday night as gunfire erupted near the temporary residence of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, in the Nasarawa GRA, close to the Kano Government House. This incident occurred amid heightened security and political unrest surrounding the emirate’s leadership.

Bayero’s temporary residence, situated about 300 meters from the Kano Government House, has been under strict surveillance by a combined security team due to ongoing disputes over the emirate’s leadership. The area is known for its restrictive vehicle movement and heightened security presence.

The gunfire was reported a day after an incident at the main Emir’s palace, where reinstated Emir Lamido Sanusi resides. Armed hunters had attempted to confront protesters demanding that the Kano governor adhere to a court order preventing Ado Bayero’s removal. The presence of security agents at the palace prevented any escalation of violence during that confrontation.

According to sources from Premium Times, the gunfire near Bayero’s residence may have been intended to deter any attempts to arrest the deposed emir following a state High Court order mandating his eviction from the palace, issued earlier that day. The sound of gunfire caused panic among residents and passersby, with some commuters altering their routes out of fear of a potential attack on the palace.

A local resident reported, “Have you heard what is happening at the Aminu Ado Bayero palace? My wife just called me now that there is heavy gunfire at the Emir’s palace, and they don’t know what’s going on there. The gunfire has been coming from the direction of the palace. People heading to Ahmadu Bello Way are changing their routes, but we don’t know what is actually happening.”

It was not immediately clear whether the gunshots were fired by security agents or palace guards.

The incident followed a court order by the Kano State High Court, which ordered the dethroned Emir Ado Bayero and his four colleagues in Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye Emirates to stop parading themselves as emirs. The court issued an interim injunction pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly.