The Kano State government has refuted claims that the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified Muhammadu Sanusi II's reinstatement as the 16th Emir of Kano. It clarified that the recent ruling merely suspended the implementation of its decision until the Supreme Court delivers a final judgment.

The state government explained that the recent court ruling temporarily halted the implementation of its decision, awaiting a final judgment from the Supreme Court. 

Addressing journalists, Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, emphasized that the Court of Appeal had affirmed the state's power to reinstate Muhammadu Sanusi II in its ruling on January 10, 2025.

The state government explained that the recent court ruling temporarily halted the implementation of its decision, awaiting a final judgment from the Supreme Court. 

Addressing journalists, Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, emphasized that the Court of Appeal had affirmed the state's power to reinstate Muhammadu Sanusi II in its ruling on January 10, 2025.

Kano Government Clarifies Court Ruling on Sanusi's Reinstatement 

The Kano State government has reaffirmed that the Court of Appeal's recent ruling did not overturn its earlier decision reinstating Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano. Instead, the judgment temporarily halted its implementation pending a final verdict from the Supreme Court. 

Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, emphasized that the January 10, 2025, ruling remains valid and binding. He explained that only the Supreme Court has the authority to overturn the appellate court's decision, stating, The Court of Appeal cannot reverse its own ruling; only the Supreme Court can set it aside."

Dederi further clarified that Friday's ruling did not nullify Sanusi's reinstatement but merely paused its execution while awaiting the Supreme Court's final judgment. 

Sanusi's Controversial Removal and Reinstatement

Muhammadu Sanusi II, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, was originally appointed Emir of Kano in 2014. However, in March 2020, he was deposed by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje's administration, a move widely seen as politically motivated due to Sanusi's outspoken views on governance and economic policies. 

His reinstatement in 2024 by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reignited debates over the state government's authority in traditional leadership matters. While a Federal High Court initially ruled against the reinstatement, the Court of Appeal overturned that decision on January 10, 2025, citing the lower court's lack of jurisdiction. 

Awaiting Supreme Court's Final Decision 

With the case now before the Supreme Court, legal experts and political analysts view the ongoing dispute as a reflection of the broader tension between Nigeria's traditional institutions and political power. Kano's emirate system has historically been a focal point of governance struggles in the state, and the court's final ruling is expected to set a significant precedent.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/15/kano-state-government-insists-emir-sanusis-reinstatement-not-nullified-appeal-court