A Kano State High Court, led by Justice Amina Aliyu, has issued a gag order preventing lawyers from speaking to the press about the ongoing Kano Emirates Tussle case. This controversial move came to light during court proceedings on Thursday.
What They Are saying.
“I am giving an order to lawyers not to grant any interview with journalists before and even after my ruling on the respondent stay of proceedings application pending the hearing and determination of the appeal,” declared Justice Aliyu, effectively silencing any public commentary on the case.
Why It Matters
The case itself reads like a modern-day ‘Game of Thrones,’ with the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Kano State, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly all filing a motion to restrain the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and four other dethroned emirs from parading themselves as emirs. These dethroned leaders include the emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye.
Representing the state’s legal might, the applicants’ counsel, Ibrahim Isah-Wangida, submitted the motion ex parte on May 27. Their goal? To prevent the former emirs from continuing to claim their titles and roles.
The respondents in this legal drama include Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero (Emir of Bichi), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar II (Emir of Karaye), Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa (Emir of Rano), and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya (Emir of Gaya). The list of respondents also extends to key security figures, including the Inspector General of Police, the Director of State Security Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigeria Army.
As the courtroom tension builds, Justice Aliyu announced a brief recess before delivering her ruling on the stay of proceedings application. This decision could either halt or continue the legal actions against the deposed emirs, determining the next chapter in Kano’s ongoing power struggle.
The gag order itself has stirred controversy, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of such a move. By silencing the lawyers, Justice Aliyu has effectively shrouded the proceedings in secrecy, leaving the public in the dark about the intricate details of this legal battle.
Bottom Line
As the Kano Emirate Tussle continues to unfold, all eyes remain on the court and the decisions that will shape the future of Kano’s traditional leadership.
