The Federal High Court in Kano has invalidated all efforts by the Kano State Government to repeal the Kano Emirates Council Law.
Previously, the Kano State Assembly had repealed the law, which led Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to depose Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano. Additionally, the Governor reversed the establishment of four emirates—Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya—by dismissing the Emirs appointed by his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
The law was also used to reinstate Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano after he was deposed by Ganduje in 2020.
However, Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate known as Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenged the legality of the law. Represented by Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), he petitioned the court to declare it null and void.
In a ruling issued on Thursday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman nullified the actions of the Kano government and ordered all parties to maintain the current situation. The judge emphasized that despite an interim order from the court, the defendants disregarded it and proceeded with enforcing the law.
Furthermore, the judge stated his intention to enforce compliance with his order using coercive measures. Due to his elevation to the Court of Appeal, Justice Liman transferred the case to Justice Simon Amobeda for further proceedings.
