The Court of Appeal in Kano has overturned a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Delivering judgment on Friday, a three-member panel sitting in Abuja declared that the June 20 order by Justice Abubakar Liman, which invalidated actions taken by the Kano State Government under the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, was issued without jurisdiction.
The appellate court held that the Federal High Court had no authority to hear the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, a kingmaker, which formed the basis for Justice Liman’s decision. The court ruled that the suit was invalid.
The Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, passed by the state House of Assembly and signed by the governor on May 23, 2024, reversed the creation of five new emirates, reinstated Sanusi as Emir, and sacked Aminu Ado Bayero, his successor.
However, Justice Liman had nullified the government’s actions, citing non-compliance with his May 23 order to maintain the status quo in Agundi’s suit.
The Appeal Court’s judgment brings clarity to the contentious matter and reaffirms Sanusi’s status as Emir.
Further details of the judgment are expected to follow.
