In a significant legal development, the Kano High Court on Miller Road has issued an interim injunction preventing the police, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigerian military from evicting the recently reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The court’s decision also shields the emir and his kingmakers from potential arrest or harassment.
Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, who presided over the case, emphasized the need to protect the rights of the emir and his associates.
“An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the Respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, representative, and assigns from further harassing, intimidating, inviting, arresting and or invading the personal or official residence of the Applicants (Gidan Rumfa),” she declared.
Justice Aliyu further restricted the security agencies from seizing any royal symbols of authority, such as the Royal Hat of Dabo, the ostrich-feathered shoes, and the knife and sword of the Emir of Kano.
“An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the Respondents from attempting to hijack, pick, commandeer, confiscate any of twin spear of authority, the Royal Hat of Dabo, the Ostrich-feathered shoes, the knife and sword of the Emir of Kano as well as symbols of authority pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” she stated.
Additionally, the court ordered that the respondents must refrain from interfering with the functions and duties of Emir Sanusi.
“That an order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Respondents from taking further steps in connection with the matter or maintaining status quo of staying all action pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” Justice Aliyu added.
The case, filed by Emir Sanusi alongside the four kingmakers of Kano—Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani, Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi, Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan, and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta—has been adjourned to June 13, 2024, for further hearing.
This court ruling follows an earlier order by Justice Aliyu, which mandated the eviction of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Nassarawa mini palace.
The court’s decision has temporarily settled the contentious issue of the emir’s status, providing Emir Sanusi with the legal backing to continue his reign without immediate threat of eviction or harassment from security forces.