Federal High Court in Kano Nullifies Reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir

A Federal High Court in Kano has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. The court also invalidated all actions taken following the controversial reinstatement.

In a verdict delivered on Thursday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman declared, “I hereby order that every step taken by the Government is hereby nullified and becomes null and invalid.

This does not affect the validity of the repealed Emirates Law but includes actions taken by the Governor, such as assenting to the Law and the reappointment of Sanusi.”

Justice Liman emphasized that he had reviewed audio recordings of the governor, both in Hausa and English, after the Law was assented to, and was convinced that the respondents were aware of the court’s order to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of motions on notice.

“Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court, in exercise of its powers, sets aside actions taken in violation of the court’s order.

It is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot-free,” he asserted.

The judge remarked that the respondents could have avoided this “catastrophic situation” by complying with the court order, which would still have allowed them to carry out their duties.

However, he noted, the respondents chose to act according to their whims, leading to the current legal predicament.