The Federal High Court sitting in Kano, presided over by Justice A. M. Liman, has set aside the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The court upheld the Kano Emirate Council law but nullified steps taken by the state government pursuant to the law. Justice Liman ordered that the status quo be maintained and invalidated all actions taken following the controversial reinstatement of Sanusi.

“I hereby order that every step taken by the government is hereby nullified and becomes null and invalid. This does not affect the validity of the repealed Emirates Law but actions taken by the governor, which include the assenting to the law and the reappointment of Sanusi,” stated Justice Liman.

Justice Liman noted that he had reviewed audio recordings of the governor’s announcements in both Hausa and English and was convinced that the respondents were aware of the court’s order to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice.

The judge expressed concern over the respondents’ disregard for the court order, highlighting that such actions violated judicial authority. “I think it is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot-free with it,” he said.

Justice Liman emphasized that the situation could have been avoided if the respondents had followed due process and complied with the court order, which would have allowed them to carry out their assignments lawfully. Instead, their actions have led to significant legal complications.