The Court of Appeal in Abuja has blocked the return of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, dealing a major blow to his return to the throne. A three-member panel led by Justice Okon Abang ruled in favor of a fresh appeal challenging the January 10 judgment that had previously reinstated him.
Sanusi’s reinstatement had come after a lower court declared his removal illegal. However, the appellate court’s latest decision now puts the matter on hold pending an appeal at the Supreme Court. This ruling raises further questions about the ongoing legal battle over the Kano emirship.
Legal Tussle Over Sanusi’s Throne Sparks Controversy
The return of Sanusi II has been a heated issue, with political and legal forces clashing over who holds the rightful claim to the Kano Emirate. The initial ruling, delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, had invalidated the nullification of Sanusi’s appointment, arguing that the Kano State High Court, not the Federal High Court, had the right to decide on the matter.
However, fresh applications (CA/KN/27M/2025 and CA/KN/28M/2025) were filed to halt the enforcement of that ruling, pending a final Supreme Court judgment. The Court of Appeal found these applications valid and ruled in favor of maintaining the status quo.
Justice Abang emphasized that the subject matter must be preserved, stating, “The court is enjoined to exercise its discretion judiciously and in the interest of justice.” He pointed out that Sanusi had served as emir for five years before his removal and was entitled to legal protection.
Kano Emirate Crisis: Political Power Play or Legal Justice?
The legal fight over Sanusi II’s position is not just about tradition—it’s deeply political. The initial decision to nullify his removal was based on jurisdictional grounds, with Justice Kolawole arguing that chieftaincy matters should be decided at the state level, not the Federal High Court.
However, the Federal High Court, led by Justice Abubakar Liman, had earlier invalidated the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which reinstated Sanusi. That ruling also directed the Kano State House of Assembly to maintain the status quo under the reign of the rival Emir, Ado Bayero.
The appellate court, however, disagreed. It ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case, stating that such disputes should be handled by the Kano State High Court or the FCT High Court.
What Next for Sanusi? Battle Heads to Supreme Court
The latest ruling means that Sanusi II’s return remains uncertain. The Court of Appeal has ordered that the original case be transferred to the Kano State High Court, where a different judge will oversee the matter.
Justice Abang stated, “The proper order to make is to direct the first respondent (Baba-Dan’Agundi) to transfer the pending suit before the Federal High Court to the Kano State High Court.”
With multiple appeals—including CA/KN/126/2024, CA/ABJ/140/2023, CA/ABJ/142/2024, CA/KN/200/2024, and CA/KN/161/2020—still unresolved, the battle for the Kano Emirate is far from over. The Supreme Court now holds the final say on whether Sanusi II can return to his throne or if his removal stands.
