The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday overturned previous rulings that had challenged the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
The appellate court further advised all involved parties to exercise caution pending the hearing of their appeals at the Supreme Court.
Court of Appeal Upholds Transmission to Supreme Court
In a unanimous ruling, a three-member panel led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill accepted the withdrawal of an application filed by the Kano State Government after confirming the appeal record’s transmission to the Supreme Court.
During the resumed hearing, the Kano State Government’s counsel, Ibrahim Wangida, informed the court of a notice of appeal filed against the stay of execution order issued on March 14, 2025.
“By legal precedent, the transmission of an appeal record to the Supreme Court operates as a stay of further action on the Court of Appeal’s ruling of March 14, 2025,” Wangida stated.
Legal Battle Over Emirship Intensifies
The appellate ruling follows the March 14, 2025, decision by Justice Abang, who ordered a stay of execution on an earlier ruling that validated Sanusi II’s reinstatement.
The judge directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, effectively reverting to the situation before the trial court’s ruling on June 13, 2024, in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/182/2024.
Dissatisfied with the decision, the Kano State Government’s counsel argued that the ruling misinterpreted constitutional provisions, emphasizing that an appeal had already been filed before the Supreme Court.
However, counsel for the appellant, Abdul Fagge (SAN), did not object, affirming that the respondent had acted within constitutional provisions.
Background: Kano Emirate Power Struggle
The Kano State Government reinstated Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano following the passage of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
The same law deposed Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir, along with four first-class emirs installed under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Despite his removal, Bayero returned to Kano, taking up residence at the Nassarawa mini palace under heavy security, as he continues to legally challenge his dethronement.