A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order stopping the reinstatement of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The court’s decision will stand until a lawsuit challenging the reinstatement is resolved.

The court’s order also prevents the abolishment of the four emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano. This follows a recent bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday, which aimed to reinstate Emir Sanusi.

Justice A.M. Liman, presiding over the Federal High Court, directed all parties involved to maintain the current situation until the lawsuit, filed by Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi, is heard.

The judge stated, “In view of the Constitutional and Jurisdictional Issues apparent on the face of the application, parties shall address the Court on the same at the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application which is fixed for the 3rd of June, 2024.”

The defendants in the suit include the Kano State Government, the Kano State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the State Assembly, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services.

Justice Liman further ordered, “In order to maintain the peace and security of the state, an Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court is granted restraining the Respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing and operationalizing the Kano State Emirate Law Council (Repeal) Law.” He added that all parties should maintain the status quo until the hearing on June 3, 2024.

Governor Abba Yusuf had officially announced the reappointment of Emir Sanusi on Thursday before the court’s order.