The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court, Justice Dije Aboki, over conflicting interim injunctions related to the Kano Emirate. The conflicting orders have caused significant uncertainty in the state.
The Federal High Court in Kano presided over by Justice S. A. Amobeda, issued an order directing the eviction of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from the Kofar Kudu Palace.
This order “reinforced the authority of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.”
Justice Amobeda stated, “An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the Applicant, or infringing on his rights is hereby granted.”
He added, “This order ensures that Emir Aminu Bayero enjoys all rights and privileges accrued to him by his position.”
In contrast, the Kano State High Court, under the jurisdiction of Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, “issued an injunction to protect Muhammadu Sanusi II and other key figures from potential harassment by state authorities.”
Justice Aliyu’s order prevents any interference with the Emir’s autonomy and the seizure of key symbols of his authority.
“An order of interim injunction is granted restraining the Respondents from harassing or intimidating the Applicants or confiscating any symbols of the Emir’s authority,” stated Justice Aliyu.
She further added, “The respondents are ordered to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
The conflicting court orders have led to considerable confusion regarding the rightful authority and protection of the emirs in Kano.
Justice Ariwoola, who also chairs the National Judicial Council (NJC), has called for “an emergency meeting with the two judges in his chambers on Thursday, May 30, 2024, to address the situation.”
The Director of Information of NJC, Soji Oye, noted that “the meeting is a prelude to a full-scale investigation by the NJC into the conflicting judgments.”
“There are strong indications that the National Judicial Council will also conduct an emergency meeting next week where the particular judges concerned are likely to be invited and subjected to serious investigations,” Oye stated.
This legal tussle follows a Federal High Court ruling that restrained the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano and suspended the law establishing the dissolved five emirates in the state.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf contested the ruling, claiming the judge who issued it was in the US and insisted that “nothing is stopping the recognition of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.”
The State High Court’s case is set for further hearing on June 13, while the Federal High Court has adjourned its case to June 4. The outcomes of these hearings and the NJC’s investigation are eagerly awaited as they will determine the future of the Kano Emirate’s leadership and stability.