The federal high court in Kano has voided Muhammadu Sanusi II's reappointment as the 16th Emir of Kano on Thursday, June 20.
The court, which was presided over by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, nullified all the actions taken after the reinstatement.
However, there are key points in the judgment that you need to know. Below are the key points:
Court Overturns Kano State Government Actions
Justice Liman, in his ruling, overturned Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano's action. The governor had deposed the 15th Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The governor's action followed the signing of the Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024 into law. The law repealed the existing law that divided the Kano emirate into five and installed Bayero during the administration of Abdullahi Ganduje in the state.
Based on the new law, the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, deposed by Ganduje in 2020, was reappointed and reinstated by Governor Yusuf.
Legal Challenge by Aminu Babba Danagundi
Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the legality of the repealed law through his counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN).
Danagundu's move was in favour of the deposed Ado Bayero, and the court judgment was in their favour as they await the higher court's judgement.
Court Ruling and Future Proceedings
Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman ruled in favour of Danagundi, setting aside the actions of the Kano government and ordering parties to maintain the status quo.
The judge warned of coercive measures to enforce compliance and transferred the case to Justice Simon Amobeda due to his elevation to the Court of Appeal.
What does maintaining the status quo mean?
Maintaining the status quo in this judgment means that all parties involved in the case, including the applicant and defendants, should await the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
Source: Legit.ng