Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kano State Police Commissioner, AIG Usaini Gumel, has refused to enforce Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from the Nasarawa mini palace.

Gumel cited a pending court case filed by the state government, scheduled for June 24, 2024, as the reason for not complying with the governor’s order. 

“The police will not evict the deposed Emir because the same government has filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024,” Gumel explained in a telephone interview with newsmen.

“The government is jumping the gun because the same government has filed a case on the eviction order, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024. So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court.” 

Despite the police commissioner’s stance, security has been beefed up around the Nasarawa mini palace, with additional personnel deployed to the area.

The deposed Emir remains in the palace, receiving traditional greetings from loyal supporters.

A source close to Bayero debunked rumors of a bulldozer being stationed at the palace for demolition, calling it “social media propaganda.” 

The standoff continues, with the police refusing to act until the court has ruled on the eviction order.

The situation remains tense, with supporters of the deposed Emir and the state government awaiting the outcome of the legal battle.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A Federal High Court in Kano has ruled in favour of Ado Bayero, reinstating him as the Emir of Kano. 

The court set aside the Kano State Emirate Law 2024, which had dissolved the five Emirates in Kano State and led to Bayero’s dethronement. 

Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman delivered the judgment on Thursday, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo. 

This development overturns the decision of the Kano State Government to repeal the law that established the Emirates and enthroned Bayero as the 15th Emir of Kano. 

The Kano Government had relied on the repealed law to dethrone Bayero and install Muhammadu Sanusi as the 14th Emir of Kano. 

However, Aminu Babba Danagundi, a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, challenged the law in court, seeking a declaration of nullity. 

The court’s ruling has now reinstated Bayero as the Emir of Kano, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Kano emirate. 

Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Kano has postponed its ruling on the validity of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 to 2 pm today.

The judgement was initially set for 12 pm but was shifted before midday, and all parties in the suit were notified. 

The Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 was recently passed by the Kano State House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Abba Yusuf.

The law led to the dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

It also reversed the creation of four emirates established by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje in 2020. 

However, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Danagundi, challenged the legality of the new law and asked the court to declare it null and void.

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

Counsel to the State House of Assembly and its speaker, Eyitayo Fatogun (SAN), 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 filed. 

The court’s ruling today will determine the fate of the Kano Emirates Council Repeal Law 2024 and its implications for the emirates in Kano State.

By Dr. Mansur Hassan

In a concerning and unprecedented development in Nigeria’s history, the Federal Government is undermining the powers of the executive and legislative arms of government in Kano State. This dangerous attempt threatens to plunge the state into a form of insecurity akin to that which plagues northern Nigeria.

Recently, Kano State has emerged as a hotspot of political tension and potential unrest. Allegations have surfaced that the APC-led Federal Government is attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Nigeria. If these claims hold any truth, they represent not just a political maneuver but a potential security disaster that could destabilize the entire region.

Federal security agencies have been accused of providing undue support to the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. Instead of ensuring peace and order, these agencies are perceived as undermining the authority of Kano’s state government. This situation sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to widespread unrest if not addressed promptly.

The people of Kano are ready to resist any attempts to undermine the constituted authority in the state. This resistance is deeply rooted in the belief that the NNPP administration is genuinely committed to serving the people—a commitment that resonates strongly with their mass followership. Without the peace-loving Kwankwasiyya administration, Kano might already have descended into chaos.

Certain individuals within Kano, who can be seen as enemies of the state and Northern Nigeria at large, are misleading the Federal Government. These individuals are pushing for a state of emergency in Kano, and the Federal Government must scrutinize these advisors’ motives and the potential consequences of their recommendations.

As the 2027 elections loom, the political stakes are higher than ever. It is imperative for the Federal Government to ensure that its actions and those of its agencies do not fuel political instability or violence. No amount of intimidation or political harassment will sway the people of Kano from their allegiance to the Kwankwasiyya Government.

The Federal Government must act swiftly and decisively to address these concerns. Avoiding any course of action that could plunge Kano into chaos is crucial. The state’s stability is essential not only for its residents but also for the broader peace and security of Northern Nigeria.

Mansur Hassan, PhD wrote from Kano

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has held a Sallah durbar in Kano, defying a police ban on the event.

The durbar was held after the Emir led Eid prayers and a sermon at the Kofar Mata Jumu’at mosque.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other officials attended the prayers and durbar, which was held despite heavy rain flooding the usual Eid grounds.

The police ban had been criticized by the Governor, who argued that he had not been consulted as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

Meanwhile, the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, observed his Eid prayer at the Nasarawa mini palace, as earlier announced.

The event was marked by the traditional durbar procession, which was held despite the police ban.

The durbar was a significant event in Kano, with many residents attending to celebrate the Eid festival.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Police Commissioner, Usani Gumel, has vehemently denied allegations of disobeying Governor Abba Yusuf’s orders and taking instructions from unknown sources.

Gumel reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, citing his track record as a champion of community safety and sustainable peace.

The denial comes on the heels of accusations leveled by the state Attorney General, Haruna Dederi, who alleged that Gumel consistently disobeyed the governor’s instructions and unilaterally banned Eid-el Kabir festivities without consultation.

Dederi further accused the police commissioner of attempting to undermine the constitutional authority of the governor by taking instructions from unknown sources.

The ongoing crisis in Kano State revolves around the contentious emirate issue, with two claimants, Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II, vying for the throne.

This has created palpable tension in the state, prompting the police to ban traditional Sallah Durbar processions to maintain peace.Gumel expressed shock and surprise at the allegations, noting his dedication to upholding the law and maintaining order in the state.

He reassured the public that the police would enforce the existing court order and work to resolve the emirate issue, prevailing on the two contending parties to respect the law.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has sent warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf.

In a message delivered at the Nassarawa mini palace on Saturday, the Emir emphasized the importance of sacrifice and prayer during Eid, expressing hopes for the leaders to continue delivering democracy dividends, protect lives and properties, and seek strength and courage from God.

He also announced the cancellation of durbar ceremonies to maintain peace in the state, following security recommendations.

Additionally, Sarkin Dawaki Babba, Aminu Agundi, announced that the Emir will observe Eid prayer at the Nassarawa mini palace on Sunday at 8:00 am.

He commended the public for their continuous prayers for peaceful coexistence in Kano and the nation at large.

The Kano Emirship is currently a subject of litigation following the dethronement of Bayero and the reinstatement of Mohammad Sanusi by Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has accused the State Police Commissioner of disobeying his directives, particularly regarding the banning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

The Commissioner’s actions have been described as “disheartening and dangerous to peaceful coexistence” by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi.

The government explained that the Commissioner’s decision to ban the festivities was unilateral, without consulting the Governor or the State Security Council.

This has raised concerns, as the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the State.

The government also addressed the recent judgment by the Federal High Court No. 3 in Kano, which claimed that the former emir’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, including allegations of house arrest.

The government disputed this, stating that the former emir was not forced into Gidan Nassarawa, a government property, and was accompanied by security guards.

The government reiterated the Governor’s constitutional duty to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

They urged the people of Kano to continue their legitimate activities peacefully and promised to keep them informed as events unfold.

The government called on well-meaning Nigerians and international friends to intervene and allow the people of Kano to live in peace, stating that any attempt to undo the peace is an assault on democracy.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ordered Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to pay N10 million in favor of deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, for violating his fundamental rights.

The court ruled that the governor’s directive to the police to arrest Bayero without a valid reason was an infringement on his rights.

Bayero, through his counsel Mamman Lawan Yusifari SAN, approached the court to seek the enforcement of his fundamental rights to movement and personal liberty.

He told the court that the Executive Order by the Kano State Governor ordering the police to arrest him without any criminal complaints against him contradicts the provision of chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

The respondents in the suit include the Attorney General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano, Nigerian Police Force, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police Kano Command, State Security Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force.

The judgment reads: “That, the act of the Governor of Kano State in directing the Police to arrest the Applicant without any lawful justification is a threatened breach of the fundamental right to Liberty of the Applicant guaranteed under Section 35(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“That, the act of the Governor of Kano State in directing the police to arrest the Applicant without any lawful justification, which directive has forced the Applicant into house arrest, preventing him from going freely about his lawful business, constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to freedom of movement as guaranteed under Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“That the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Respondents, are either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies, or any other person or authority forthwith restrained from arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the Applicant or further interfering with the Applicant’s fundamental rights.

“That the 2nd Respondent and the Government of Kano State shall pay to the Applicant the Sum of 10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) only for the breach and likely breach of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“The prayer for the cost of filing and prosecuting this suit is refused, the amount having not been specifically pleaded and strictly proved.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Police Command in Kano State has banned Durbar activities during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.

A statement issued on Thursday by Mr. Usaini Gumel, the state Commissioner of Police, stated that the ban became necessary to sustain the peace maintained by the Police Command in conjunction with all relevant security stakeholders.

“In furtherance, a ban on all contending parties has been placed, restraining them from conducting Durbar activities for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,” Gumel said.

He, however, advised worshippers to conduct their normal Eid Prayers at the various designated praying grounds, as was traditionally done in the past.

“In this trying period, the Police will enforce the existing Court Order and prevail on the two contending parties regarding the Kano Emirateship Tussle and urge them to remain apart and respect the court order,” he said.

The commissioner said the command would want to see continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders to collectively work together to build a safer and more secure environment.

He urged the general public to keep reporting any suspicious movement of persons or items to the nearest police station.