On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Kano fixed June 13, 2024, for a ruling on the jurisdiction of fundamental human rights suits concerning the Kano Emirate dispute.
Presided over by Justice Abdullahi Liman, the court also issued a restraining order against the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The lawsuit, filed by Aminu Danangudi, a kingmaker in the Emirate Council, seeks to restrain respondents—including the Kano State Government and the Kano State House of Assembly—from enforcing a repealed law.
Respondents in the case include the Kano State Government, Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney General of Kano State, Kano Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, and the Department of State Services.
Both parties have presented their cases, and the court is set to rule on whether the restraining order on Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir of Kano falls within its jurisdiction.
Mohammadu Waziri, counsel for the applicant, highlighted that the court sitting would address whether “the Federal Government has jurisdiction to entertain the case, whether the Federal Government has power to file the case or not,” among other issues.
Sule Magaji, counsel for the respondent, stated, “We have addressed the court in the best way we know. It’s left for the court to adjudicate on it.”
With the Kano Emirship stool remaining unoccupied following the reinstatement and subsequent dethronement of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, the court’s ruling on June 13 will be pivotal in determining the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in addressing the fundamental human rights case and resolving the ongoing Emirate tussle in the state.