BREAKING: Court stops reinstatement of Sanusi as Emir of Kano

A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an ex-parte order restraining Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II until the court’s substantive suit is determined. The order also prohibits the abolishment of the four emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano. This development follows a bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday.

Justice A.M. Liman granted the plaintiffs’ application to serve court processes on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja and outside the court’s jurisdiction. The defendants in the suit include the Kano State Government, the State House of Assembly, the Speaker, the Commissioner of Police, the IGP, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services.

The court ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application, scheduled for June 3, 2024. Justice Liman also granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents from enforcing the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law. The judge adjourned the case to June 3, 2024, for hearing. Despite the court’s order, Governor Abba Yusuf had earlier announced the re-appointment of Emir Sanusi on Thursday.