Appeal Court Did Not Set Aside Judgment Recognizing Sanusi As Emir – Kano Gov’t

The Kano State Government has stated that the Court of Appeal did not overturn its earlier judgment recognizing Muhammadu Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.

Haruna Dederi, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Kano State, made this clarification while addressing speculations surrounding the recent stay of execution granted by the Court of Appeal.

Dederi 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 Appeal Court granted the request but did not nullify its initial judgment.

“This clarification is necessary to correct the widespread misinterpretations and speculative reports designed to mislead the public and create discord among Kano residents,” Dederi stated.

He recalled that on January 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal upheld the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, and nullified the Federal High Court’s ruling, which had invalidated the actions taken by the Kano State Government under the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.

Dederi emphasized that Dan’Agundi, being dissatisfied with the judgment, appealed to the Supreme Court and subsequently applied for a stay of execution.

The Appeal Court granted this request, allowing the status quo to be maintained pending the Supreme Court’s ruling, a routine judicial process.

“It is, however, concerning that misleading headlines have been published, distorting the facts to misinform the public. We urge individuals involved in such misrepresentations to refrain from interfering in judicial processes. The judiciary, as a sacred institution, must be respected to maintain peace and order in society,” Dederi warned.

“For clarity, the Court of Appeal did not overturn its January 10, 2025, judgment. That ruling remains valid and in effect until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict,” he reiterated.

Dederi called on the public to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the Kano State Government has directed its legal team to assess the situation and determine the appropriate legal course of action in compliance with existing laws.