Lawyer Clarifies Kano Emir Not Involved in Agundi Supreme Court Case
In a significant clarification regarding the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the Kano Emirate, lawyer Bashir Muhammad Tudun Wizirci has emphatically stated that the case currently before the Supreme Court of Nigeria does not involve the removal or reinstatement of any emir, including Muhammadu Sanusi II. Speaking to journalists after Monday's proceedings at the Supreme Court, Wizirci provided detailed insights into the nature of the lawsuit, which has been widely misunderstood in public discourse.
Case Details and Parties Involved
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 various security agencies. He stressed that the case does not include Aminu Ado Bayero as a party or any dispute regarding who holds the title of Emir of Kano. "In the case, I stand for one of the respondents, the State Assembly, and I can confirm to you that the case is between Aminu Babba Dan'agundi, the appellant, and the State Government, the office of the Attorney General, and security agencies as the respondents," Wizirci stated.
He further emphasized, "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 strictly between Aminu Babba Dan'agundi and the state government alongside security agencies." Wizirci reiterated that neither the current Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, nor the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, is a party to this legal battle.
Legal Journey and Jurisdiction Issues
The lawyer outlined the legal journey of the case, noting that Dan'agundi initially approached the Federal High Court, which he claimed had no jurisdiction over the matter. The Court of Appeal later ruled that the lower Federal High Court indeed lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, resulting in Dan'agundi losing the appeal. Dissatisfied with this outcome, Dan'agundi then appealed to the Supreme Court, where the case is currently pending.
Wizirci revealed that the case was scheduled for hearing on Monday but was stalled due to a fresh application by Dan'agundi's lawyer. The lawyer cited receiving a late response from one of the security agencies as the reason for the 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 an accelerated hearing if they are serious," Wizirci said. However, the court upheld the appellant's right to a fair hearing and granted them time to file their processes, leading to an adjournment of the matter to April 19, 2027.
Confirmation from Dan'agundi's Counsel
Meanwhile, Counsel to Aminu Dan'agundi, Professor Mamman Lawal Yusufari, confirmed that the case is solely between his client and the State Government, with no emir involved. Yusufari clarified, "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, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, submitted that the appellant is entitled to respond to the brief of appeal from the respondent within 14 days from the date of service.
Background of the Dispute
Recall that in May 2024, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf 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 this new law, Dan'agundi challenged it at the Federal High Court, arguing that his removal by the law constituted an infringement. The Federal High Court initially ruled that it had jurisdiction over the case, but the State Government appealed to the Court of Appeal, which overturned that decision, stating that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction. Dan'agundi then filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, as confirmed by his lawyer, Professor Mamman Yusufari SAN.
This clarification from legal representatives aims to dispel misconceptions and provide accurate information about the ongoing legal proceedings, ensuring that public understanding aligns with the factual details of the case.
