A team of soldiers has arrived at the mini-palace of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, following an arrest order by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The soldiers were deployed to the palace at Nassarawa after Ado Bayero returned to Kano on Saturday, defying the governor’s directive to vacate the palace and hand over within 48 hours.
Ado Bayero, who was dethroned by Governor Yusuf on Thursday, arrived at the Aminu Kano International Airport at 4:30 am and was received by his supporters, who chanted prayers and slogans. He later observed dawn prayers at the airport before heading to the mini-palace.
Governor Yusuf ordered Ado Bayero’s arrest, accusing him of creating tension in the state. The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, stated that Ado Bayero was smuggled into Kano in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace.
The deployment of soldiers to the mini-palace has raised questions about the intentions of the government.
Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo accused the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of facilitating Ado Bayero’s return to Kano, alleging that Ribadu released two jets to bring the dethroned emir to Kano.
The situation in Kano remains tense, with security operatives keeping a close watch on the mini-palace and the surrounding areas.
The dethronement of Ado Bayero and the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano have sparked a political crisis in the state, with many calling for calm and peaceful resolution.
