A Federal High Court in Kano has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, declaring all actions taken after the controversial reinstatement invalid due to the state government’s failure to comply with a court order.
In a significant legal decision, a Federal High Court sitting in Kano has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, also invalidates all actions taken following the controversial reinstatement.
Presiding over the case, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman stated, “I hereby order that every step taken by the Government is hereby nullified and becomes null and invalid. This does not affect the validity of the repealed Emirates Law but includes actions taken by the Governor, such as assenting to the Law and the reappointment of Sanusi.”
Justice Liman emphasized that he reviewed audio evidence from the governor, both in Hausa and English, after the Law was assented to, confirming that the respondents were aware of the court order to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice.
“Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court in exercise of its powers sets aside an action because it is in violation of the court’s order,” Justice Liman stated. “It is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot-free with it.”
The judge noted that the respondents could have avoided this legal predicament by adhering to the court order, which would have allowed them to continue their assignments without issue. However, by choosing to act according to their whims and caprices, they have landed themselves in a significant legal mess.
These ruling underscores the importance of compliance with judicial orders and the potential consequences of disregarding them.
