A lawyer involved in the Kano Emirate titleholder’s dispute, Bashir Muhammad Tudun Wizirci, has clarified that the case before the Supreme Court of Nigeria does not concern the removal or reinstatement of any emir, including Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Speaking to journalists on the outcome of the Monday proceeding at the Supreme Court, Wizirci explained that the suit was filed by Aminu Babba Dan’agundi against the Kano State House of Assembly, the office of the Attorney-General and the security agencies.
According to him, the case does not include Aminu Ado Bayero as a party or any dispute on who is Emir, stressing, that: “In the case, I stands for one of the respondent’s State Assembly, and I can confirm to you that the case is between Aminu Babba Danagundi the appellant and the State Government and the office of the Attorney General and security agencies the respondents.
“In this case, there is no place where the name of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II or former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero was mentioned. It is between Aminu Babba Dan’agundi and the state government alongside security agencies”.
Wizirci further emphasized that: “Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi is not a party, neither is the former, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. Dan Agundi approached the Federal High Court that has no Jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal ruled that the lower Federal High Court has no jurisdiction to hear the case. Dan Agundi lost the appeal. They were not satisfied and that’s why they appealed to the Supreme Court”. He said.
Barrister Wizirci said the case was scheduled for hearing on Monday but was stalled following a fresh application by Dan Agundi’s lawyer who cited that they received late response from one of the security agencies as reason for delay.
“They claimed they received information from the DSS on the 15th of the month and needed time to respond. I objected because this is a matter that requires accelerated hearing if they are serious,” Wizirci said.
He, however, stated that the court upheld the appealant’s right to fair hearing and granted them time to file their processes. The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 19, 2027.
Meanwhile, Counsel to Aminu DanAgundi, Professor Mamman Lawal Yusufari confirmed that the case is between his client and the State Government” and no Emir is involved.
Yusufari clarified that “The suit was slated for hearing today, not for judgment as many believed. Counsel to one of the respondents filed a motion on April 14 and served us the following day”.
Justifying his position for the adjournment, Yusufari, Senior Advocate submitted that the appellant is entitled to respond to brief of appeal from the respondent within 14 days from the date of service.
Recall that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in May 2024, signed a law that dethroned all Emirs of Kano, Rano, Gaya and Karaye and reappointed Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.
Dissatisfied with the new law, Dan Agundi challenged it at the Federal High Court, that his removal by the law is an infringement, the Court ruled that it has jurisdiction.
The State Government appealed to the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction. Dan Agundi then filed an appeal in the Supreme Court as confirmed by his lawyer Professor Maman Yusufari SAN.