By By Muminat Ajide
The Federal High Court session in Kano on Tuesday, May 28, rendered a significant verdict, directing the eviction of Muhammadu Sanusi II from the palace. Presided over by Justice S. A. Amobeda, the court also issued a directive to the police to ensure that all rights and privileges rightfully belonging to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, are duly accorded to him. Justice Amobeda underscored that the decision was made in the interest of justice and the preservation of peace in Kano state.
Furthermore, Justice Amobeda articulated, “An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, servants, or any other individuals or authorities, from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, or harassing the applicant, raiding, tampering with, or visiting the applicant’s premises with the intention of arresting or violating his rights, pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.”
Additionally, the court’s order includes a prohibition against the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents, as well as all other parties, from denying the applicant access to his official residence and palace at the Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu. This directive ensures that Emir Aminu Bayero can fully enjoy all the rights and privileges inherent in his position as the Emir of Kano. The court also prohibited the eviction of anyone or anything residing within the palace illegally until the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
Notably, the respondents in this case include the Attorney General of the federation, the attorney general of the state, the police commissioner, and other relevant authorities. The suit has been adjourned to June 4 for a thorough hearing.
In a separate development, a State High Court situated at Miller Road, Kano, on the same day, issued a restraining order against the police, State Security Service (SSS), and Nigerian military, preventing them from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, from the palace. This case was filed by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II along with the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan; and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta, as applicants.
The presiding judge, Justice A. Adamu Aliyu, further ordered the security agencies to refrain from arresting or harassing Sanusi and his kingmakers. Justice Aliyu emphasized, “An order of interim injunction is hereby granted, restraining the respondents from further harassing, intimidating, inviting, arresting, or invading the personal or official residence of the applicants, his servants, or any of the Kano Emirate kingmakers, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
Moreover, the court ordered restrictions against any attempt to seize the symbols of authority of the Emir of Kano, including the twin spear of authority, the Royal Hat of Dabo, the Ostrich-feathered shoes, the knife, and the sword. This order is in effect until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. The court further instructed that the respondents are prohibited from interfering with the functions and duties of the 1st applicant (Sanusi) as the Emir of Kano.
The state court adjourned the case to June 13, 2024, for further deliberations and hearings, ensuring a thorough examination of the matter at hand.
