The Court of Appeal in Abuja has issued an order restraining the enforcement of its January 10 judgment, which upheld the Kano State Government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law.
The ruling will remain on hold pending a final decision from the Supreme Court.
Previously, the Court of Appeal in Kano had overturned a Federal High Court ruling from June 20, 2024, which had nullified the Kano State Government’s actions under the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.
These actions included the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano. The appellate court ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, which fall under the state courts’ authority.
In response, the Kano State Government appealed to the Supreme Court and sought an injunction to prevent the enforcement of the appellate court’s ruling while the appeal was pending.
A three-member panel led by Justice Okon Abang ruled in favor of Aminu Babba Dan (Sarkin Dawaki Babba), who had originally filed a suit in Kano to protect his fundamental rights.
The court determined that the application had merit and found that the balance of convenience favored protecting the applicant’s legal rights while the Supreme Court considered the case.
As a result, the court ordered the maintenance of the status quo, effectively halting Sanusi’s reinstatement until the Supreme Court delivers a final verdict.
The Kano State Government, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and security agencies were also barred from enforcing the appellate court’s January 10 ruling.
Additionally, the applicant was directed to file an undertaking within 14 days, indemnifying the respondents in case the order was later found to be unnecessary.
This decision prolongs the legal uncertainty surrounding the Kano Emirate leadership until the Supreme Court reaches its final judgment.
Legal battle over Kano emirate continues as appeal court stops Sanusi’s reinstatement
