Kano, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Kano has issued an ex-parte order preventing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. This order will remain in effect until a substantive suit challenging the reinstatement is resolved.
The court’s decision also temporarily halts the abolishment of four Kano emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano. This development follows a bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday that supported the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi and the dissolution of the aforementioned emirates.
Justice A.M. Liman, who presided over the case, directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante pending the determination of the suit. The suit was filed by Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi, seeking to prevent the reinstatement and the abolishment of the emirates.
“Given the constitutional and jurisdictional issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on the same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application, which is fixed for June 3, 2024,” stated Justice Liman.
See Also: Kano State House of Assembly Dissolves Newly Created Emirates, Paves Way for Sanusi’s Return
The court granted leave to the plaintiffs to issue and serve their concurrent originating motion, as well as all other court processes, on the sixth defendant, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja and outside the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court.
The defendants in the suit include:
- The Kano State Government
- The Kano State House of Assembly
- The Speaker of the State Assembly
- The Kano State Commissioner of Police
- The Inspector General of Police
- The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps
- The Department of State Services
Justice Liman emphasized the need to maintain peace and security in Kano State. “An Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law,” he ordered.
He further reiterated, “Parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.”
The case has been adjourned to June 3, 2024, for the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application.
Governor Abba Yusuf had officially announced the re-appointment of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II on Thursday, sparking legal challenges and public discourse. The reinstatement and the abolition of the four emirates have been contentious issues, reflecting deeper political and social dynamics within Kano State.
The Federal High Court’s order underscores the complexities and sensitivities involved in the governance and traditional structures of Kano. The upcoming hearing will be crucial in determining the future of these emirates and the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi.
Source: Daily Post