JUST-IN: Court Postpones Verdict On Kano Emirate Tussle To 2pm

The highly anticipated decision of the Federal High Court on the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 has been postponed to 2pm on Thursday.

The law, recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, has been at the center of a heated legal and political battle following its swift passage and implementation, leading to the dethronement of five Emirs and dissolution of their Emirates in the State about four weeks ago.

The Kano State House of Assembly had passed the Emirates Council Law Repeal Bill on May 23, 2024, which was immediately signed into law by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The new legislation led to the dethronement of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and reversed the creation of four new emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya—established by the previous governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The law also reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was dethroned by Ganduje in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.

But, Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenged the legality of the new law. Represented by Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), Danagundi had asked the court to declare the law null and void.

After hearing the motion last Friday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano adjourned the ruling till this Thursday.

The court will also address a motion for a stay of proceedings filed by A.G. Wakil, representing the State’s Attorney General and Kano State Government, who are respondents in Danagundi’s suit.

Additionally, at the last court session, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), representing the State House of Assembly and its speaker, informed the court of a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, seeking a stay of proceedings. However, Justice Liman noted that there was no evidence that the appeal had been entered nor any formal application for a stay of proceedings filed.

Meanwhile, the court proceedings on Thursday morning have consequently been adjourned until 2:00m as communicated by the court clerk. Justice Liman’s decision is expected to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing Kano Emirate crisis.

In response to the heightened tensions surrounding the case, security forces have increased their patrols around the Federal High Court in Kano. The Kano State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, has called for calm among the populace, urging citizens to respect the court’s verdict.

The outcome of Thursday’s ruling will significantly influence the future of Kano’s traditional institution and potentially set a precedent for similar disputes across Nigeria.