The hearing of the case instituted by Aminu Babba Danagundi challenging the legality of the Kano Emirate (Repeal) Law 2024, which reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II, was stalled at the Federal High Court in Kano.
The delay was due to the ongoing nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Scheduled for Monday, June 3, by Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, the hearing could not proceed as the court remained closed.
Our reporter observed that the gates of the court were locked.
An anonymous court employee confirmed that the court would not be sitting either virtually (via Zoom) or physically because of the strike.
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The court had previously granted an interim injunction restraining the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from enforcing, executing, or implementing the new law pending the hearing and determination of the fundamental rights application before it.
It also ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and address the court on jurisdictional issues related to chieftaincy affairs.
The Kano Emirate Repeal Law 2024 abolishes the new emirates of Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano, created by the Abdullahi Umar Ganduje administration in 2019.
The Kano State government, the state’s House of Assembly, and its speaker, Ismail Falgore, the police commissioner, the Inspector General of Police, NSCDC, and DSS were named as parties in the case.
Lawyers, litigants, and other court users who came for various transactions were turned back at the gate.
It was unclear whether the armed police presence at Dangi Roundabout and Court Road leading to the court was related to the expected hearing in the Kano chieftaincy dispute.
Last week, the police commissioner in Kano, Usaini Gumel, said the police had been served with five conflicting court orders concerning the case and urged media organisations to understand the complexities of managing the security situation in Kano.
Tension arose last Friday after a radio announcement stated that the 15th Fulani Emir Aminu Ado Bayero would attend the Friday congregation at the Central Mosque, raising fears of a possible clash with supporters of the reinstated Emir Sanusi.
However, the police later advised residents to disregard the announcement, clarifying that it did not originate from the monarch.
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