A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has nullified the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. The court also invalidated all actions taken following the controversial reinstatement.

Delivering the verdict on Thursday, Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman declared, “I hereby order that every step taken by the Government is hereby nullified and becomes null and invalid. This does not affect the validity of the repealed Emirates Law but includes the actions taken by the Governor, which includes assenting to the Law and the reappointment of Sanusi.”

Justice Liman further stated, “I have listened to the audio of the governor both in Hausa and English after assenting to the Law, and I am convinced that the respondents are aware of the order to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motions on notice in the court.”

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He emphasized the gravity of flouting court orders, adding, “Having been satisfied that the respondents are aware of the court order, the court, in exercise of its powers, sets aside any action taken in violation of the court’s order. It is a very serious matter for anyone to flout the orders of the court and go scot-free.”

Justice Liman noted that the situation could have been avoided if the respondents had complied with the court order, allowing them to carry out their duties without issue. Instead, he said, the respondents chose to act according to their whims, resulting in a significant legal mess.