A lawyer involved in the Kano Emirate dispute, Bashir Muhammad Tudun Wuzirci, has clarified that the case before the Supreme Court of Nigeria does not concern the removal or reinstatement of any emir, including Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Wuzirci made the clarification while speaking to journalists after court proceedings, noting that the suit was filed by Aminu Babba Dan’agundi against the Kano State House of Assembly, the office of the Attorney-General and security agencies.
According to him, the case does not involve any dispute over the Kano Emirate stool or include Aminu Ado Bayero as a party.
“In this case, I am representing the State Assembly. The matter is strictly between Aminu Babba Dan’agundi and the state government, alongside the office of the Attorney-General and security agencies. There is no mention of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II or former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero,” Wuzirci said.
Counsel to Dan’agundi, Professor Mamman Lawal Yusufari (SAN), also confirmed that the case is between his client and the state government, insisting that no emir is involved.
Wuzirci further explained that Dan’agundi initially approached the Federal High Court, which he said lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
He added that the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled that the lower court had no jurisdiction, a decision that prompted the appeal before the Supreme Court.
“The Court of Appeal ruled that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction to hear the case, and Dan’agundi lost at that stage. Dissatisfied, he proceeded to the Supreme Court,” he said.
He disclosed that although the case was slated for hearing, proceedings were stalled following a fresh application by the appellant’s counsel, who cited a late response from one of the security agencies.
“They claimed they received information from the DSS on the 15th of the month and needed time to respond. I objected because this is a matter that requires accelerated hearing if they are serious,” Wuzirci added.
Despite the objection, the court granted the appellant time to file necessary processes in the interest of fair hearing and subsequently adjourned the matter to April 19, 2027.
Meanwhile, Yusufari clarified that the matter was scheduled for hearing and not for judgment, contrary to public perception.
“The suit was slated for hearing today, not for judgment as many believed. Counsel to one of the respondents filed a motion on April 14 and served us the following day,” he said.
“We are entitled to respond within 14 days from the date of service. Hence, the adjournment, as the matter could not proceed.”
Recall that Abba Kabir Yusuf, in May 2024, signed a law that dethroned emirs in Kano, Rano, Gaya and Karaye emirates and reappointed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Dissatisfied with the development, Dan’agundi approached the Federal High Court, challenging the law on grounds that his removal was unlawful. While the trial court initially assumed jurisdiction, the Court of Appeal later ruled otherwise, leading to the current appeal before the Supreme Court.
