The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned prior rulings that obstructed the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
In its verdict delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, the appellate court acknowledged that the case record had been transmitted to the Supreme Court.
Consequently, it instructed all parties involved to exercise restraint until their appeals are heard at the apex court.
During proceedings, counsel for the Kano State Government, Ibrahim Wangida, informed the court of the notice of appeal filed against the stay of execution granted on March 14, 2025. He confirmed that all required legal steps had been taken, including forwarding the case records to the Supreme Court.
By legal precedent, transmitting an appeal record to the Supreme Court automatically suspends any further action on the Court of Appeal’s ruling from March 14, 2025.
Justice Abang, on the said date, had ordered a stay of execution on an earlier judgment that upheld Sanusi II’s reinstatement.
Additionally, he directed all parties to revert to the pre-litigation status quo, instructing the sheriffs of both the appellate and trial courts to adhere to the situation before the lower court’s ruling on June 13, 2024, in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/182/2024.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Wangida argued that the decision contained serious constitutional misinterpretations and pointed out that the matter was already before the Supreme Court.
Responding to the notice of appeal, counsel for the appellant, Abdul Fagge (SAN), did not oppose the motion, affirming that the respondent’s actions were in line with constitutional provisions.
Sanusi II’s reinstatement came after the Kano State Government repealed the Kano State Emirate Council Law 2024, a move that simultaneously deposed Aminu Ado Bayero and four other first-class emirs appointed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Despite his removal, Bayero returned to Kano and took up residence at the Nassarawa mini palace under tight security while pursuing legal action against the government’s decision.
