The Kano State Government House and the palaces where claimants to the Kano emirate stool are currently residing have been surrounded by soldiers, police operatives, the Department of State Service (DSS), and other security agencies.
This heightened security presence follows the ongoing royal dispute in the state.
The development follows the Kano State Police Command’s commitment to enforcing a court order that restrains the Kano State Government from recognizing Muhammadu Sanusi II as the substantive Emir of Kano.
While free movement within the government house precincts has not been restricted, security operatives have been strategically positioned throughout the area.
Top security officials, who earlier met with the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, are presently holding another meeting inside the government house. The area where Sanusi II is staying has also been cordoned off to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, who earlier accompanied the reinstated Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, remains in the palace to enforce the reinstatement. Despite this, the police plan to comply with a court order preventing the state government from reinstating Sanusi II as the emir. This order was issued on Friday before Sanusi II received his reinstatement letter.
The police issued a statement amid the tension surrounding the implementation of the repealed law of the Kano Emirate Council, which led to the dethronement of Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and others. While others have accepted their fate, Bayero, reportedly supported by “federal might,” is claiming the stool. This situation prompted the state governor to order the police to arrest Bayero on Saturday.
On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Kano issued an ex-parte order restraining Governor Abba Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. The governor ignored the order, arguing that Justice Mohammed Liman issued it from the United States.
The police, collaborating with other security agencies, have emphasized their commitment to enforcing the court’s demands. A statement from the police read: “We call on members of the public to know that the police in the state are working together with the military and other security agencies to provide adequate security for everyone, as we are committed to carrying out our statutory duties as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The police command also urged the public to maintain peace and avoid violence, warning that any attempt to exploit the current situation for unprovoked attacks would be dealt with according to the law.
The command called for calm and cooperation with security agencies until the court reviews the matter on June 3.
