Appeal Court Blocks Sanusi’s Return as Emir of Kano

Sanusi’s Reinstatement as Emir of Kano Halted by Court

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has issued a stay of execution on its previous judgment that had upheld the reinstatement of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. This decision effectively halts Sanusi’s reinstatement pending the outcome of an appeal at the Supreme Court.

A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Okon Abang, granted the stay of execution, thereby maintaining the status quo in the ongoing legal dispute over the Kano Emirate. This development follows a series of legal battles concerning the emirate’s leadership.

Previously, on January 10, the Court of Appeal had set aside a June 20, 2024, ruling by the Federal High Court in Kano, which had nullified the Kano State government’s dissolution of five emirates and reinstated Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano. The appellate court had determined that the lower court lacked jurisdiction in that decision.

In response to the January 10 judgment, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi (Sarkin Dawaki Babba) filed an application seeking to prevent the enforcement of the appellate court’s decision until the Supreme Court could review the case. The Court of Appeal found merit in this application and ruled in favor of maintaining the current state of affairs until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict.