Security agents on Saturday, May 25, 2024, stated that they would not arrest the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, as ordered by Governor Abba Yusuf.
Governor Yusuf, in a statement by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Tofa, had ordered Bayero’s arrest, accusing him of “creating tension in the state.” The governor alleged that Bayero had been “smuggled into Kano city” in an attempt to forcefully return to the palace after being deposed just two days prior.
However, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, Mohammed Usain Gumel, announced during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters that the police and all security agencies in the state would not carry out the governor’s order. Gumel cited a court order restraining the state government from enforcing the new law that reinstated Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Accompanying Gumel at the briefing were heads of other security agencies including ML Falala (NSCDC), MA Sadiq (Army Commander), IS Abdullahi (Fed Road Safety Corps), and Sulaimam of the Correctional Centre.
Gumel emphasized, “The Police Command is expressly obeying the Court Order with SUIT No. FHC/KN/CS/182/2024 Dated 23rd May 2024 issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Kano alongside ail Law Enforcement agents in the State.”
He urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, emphasizing that anyone planning to disrupt the peace or security of the state would be arrested and face the full force of the law. Gumel reassured the public of the security agencies’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in Kano.
In response, Kano Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, asserted that nothing could change Sanusi’s reinstatement. Gwarzo, speaking at the palace of the Emir where Sanusi had been moved to, criticized the police for allegedly escorting Bayero back into the state and emphasized the state government’s efforts to avoid bloodshed.
