Kano gov’t calls for calm, says Appeal Court didn’t set aside judgment recognizing Sanusi as Emir of Kano

Kano State Government has called for calm among residents, Friday’s Court of Appeal judgment did not set aside judgment recognizing Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano State.

The clarification was given on Saturday by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bar. Haruna Dederi, while addressing erroneous media report on the Court of Appeal judgment.

CAPITAL POST reported on Friday that tension gripped Kano State with security agents taking strategic position to quell any eventualities after the reported Court of Appeal judgment setting aside recognition of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir of Kano State.

Derideri however, explained that Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, a party in the case who was dissatisfied with the Appeal Court’s ruling, had applied for a stay of execution pending the Supreme Court’s decision. The court granted the request, but this did not mean it had nullified its previous judgment.

“The Court of Appeal only ordered that the status quo be maintained; it did not set aside its judgment,” Dederi stated.

The State Attorney said: “On January 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal delivered a judgment upholding the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, and setting aside the ruling of the Federal High Court, Kano, which had nullified actions taken by the Kano State Government under the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024.

“Dissatisfied with this decision, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and subsequently filed an application for a stay of execution of the Appeal Court’s judgment.

“The panel of justices granted the stay, pending the determination of the substantive appeal at the Supreme Court. This is a routine judicial procedure to maintain the status quo while an appeal is being heard.

“However, it is concerning to see misleading headlines and reports suggesting otherwise. These misrepresentations appear to be aimed at creating discord among Kano residents.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal did not set aside its judgment of January 10, 2025. That ruling remains valid and in effect until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict.

“The Kano State Government has instructed its legal team to study the situation and determine the next course of action in accordance with the law.”

The Commissioner warned against attempts to distort judicial processes and called for restraint to ensure peace and order in the state.