The Kano House of Assembly had repealed the law after which Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf implemented it by dethroning Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano.
The governor also reversed the creation of four emirates, Bichi, Rano Karaye and Gaya, and sacked the Emirs appointed by his predecessor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The law was also relied upon to re-appoint the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was dethroned by Ganduje in 2020, as the 16th Emir of Kano.
But a kingmaker in the former Kano emirate, Aminu Babba Danagundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba, challenged the propriety of the law and asked the court, through his counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), to declare it null and void.
Ruling on a motion seeking declaration of the repealed law null and void as moved by Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, counsel to Danagundi, the judge held that the Kano State government and the attorney general were aware of its restraining order granted virtually on May 23, 2024, but decided to believe that “the order was made abroad.”
The judge held that if court orders are allowed to be disobeyed, anarchy would set in, averring that contempt of court in all ramification is anti-democracy.
I hereby order that any steps taken by the defendants to implement the law is set aside.
“I have listened to the audio of the governor both in Hausa and English after assenting to the law, and I am convinced that the respondents are aware of the order of maintaining status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice in the court.
“Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court, in the exercise of its powers, set aside an action because it is in violation of the court’s order, I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot free with it.”
The judge held that he would assume his coercive powers to enforce compliance with his order.
“Having been satisfied that the defendants have become aware of the order but went ahead to implement the law, it is necessary for the court to assume its coercive powers to enforce compliance with its orders.”
However, the judge transferred the case to Justice Simon Amobeda for continuation in view of his elevation to the Court of Appeal.
Danagundi told journalists after the ruling that he had been vindicated that due process was not followed in the deposition of emirs and the reinstatement of Sanusi.
Meanwhile, the city of Kano has remained calm on Thursday evening despite the Federal High Court judgment which nullified Emir Muhammad Sanusi’s reinstatement as the 16th Emir of Kano.
It was noted that despite the judgment, residents were seen going about with their normal businesses as the human and vehicular movement continued unhindered even around the main palace where Sanusi is staying.
It was, however, observed that armed policemen and other security personnel earlier deployed to some strategic places including the main Palace and the mini palace were still on the ground to maintain law and order.
It was also observed that business premises were also operating without any hindrance.
It was also observed that some supporters of the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero at the Nasarawa mini palace were seen in groups exchanging greetings among themselves in reaction to the judgement.
It will be recalled that the Kano Police Command had earlier on Thursday issued a statement reminding residents that the ban on processions, protests, and unlawful gatherings is still in force.
The statement which was issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, warmed that any person or group of persons found violating the order would be arrested and prosecuted.
The statement further urged residents to be law abiding and avoid acts capable of breaching peace in the state.
As of the time of filing this report at about 5:50 pm, there was no report from any part of the eight metropolitan local governments of any violence or protest against the judgement.
Meanwhile, some residents have expressed mixed feelings about the court judgement.
While some expressed happiness over the court judgement, others were indifferent, insisting that all Kano wants is peace at this time “when people are battling to get what they will eat.
“It has been more than one month now since Kano has not seen peace, people are tired of this situation,” one of the residents said.