Security personnel restrict movement at Emir Sanusi’s palace in Kano

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

There was heavy presence of security personnel at the palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, on Friday morning.  The operatives, whose mission was not made public, blocked the palace’s entry and reportedly barred the monarch from leaving the palace to attend a function in Bichi District of Kano State.

Sources in the Kano Emirate Council were quoted as saying that the Emir was billed to attend a ceremony to present a staff of office to a new District Head of Bichi.

Security operatives also condoned off the venue of the event, for which Emir Sanusi II, was scheduled to attend in Bichi, thereby reinforcing the speculation that the trouble may not be unconnected with the planned installation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa did not pick his calls, but it is believed that the action of the operatives has a lot to do with the ongoing legal dispute regarding the throne. Recall that the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf had in May 2024 signed a new emirate law that dissolved the previous five emirates of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye and reappointed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano.

However, a Federal High Court in the state had invalidated the action of the government.

Later in the day, the Emir and his aides appeared at the complex where he usually  holds Durbar ceremony in the palace and was greeted by the applause of hundreds of subjects and concerned members of the public, who had surged to the palace in the face of the unusual development.