The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgement in the six appeals involving the emirship dispute in Kano State. Photo: Sundiata Post
Tension has escalated in Kano as police have blocked the entrance to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II’s palace, preventing him from attending a royal ceremony in Bichi Local Government Area.
The event was set to feature the presentation of a staff of offices to the newly appointed District Head of Bichi.
Sources within the Kano Emirate disclosed that heavily armed security forces, including armoured personnel carriers (APCs), barricaded the palace, halting all movement in and out of the area.
“The Emir was preparing to leave for the ceremony when the security operatives arrived and instructed him to remain inside,” an anonymous source stated.
Efforts by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to mediate the situation were unsuccessful. His delegation was reportedly denied access to the palace, despite attempts to meet with the Emir.
“The governor sent representatives to speak with the Emir, but they were not allowed past the barricade,” a source close to the government revealed.
The venue of the Bichi event was also cordoned off by security personnel, leaving attendees and organisers stranded. Photo: Daily Trust
Meanwhile, the security presence at the Bichi event venue caused confusion, with both attendees and organisers stranded.
Police blocked the gates leading to the palace, preventing village and ward heads, who had gathered to welcome the new district head, from entering.
Bichi Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Hamza Mai Fata, urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
He also announced a postponement of the royal event, originally scheduled for Friday, in a statement signed by the local government’s information officer, Tasiu Jibo Dawanau. The area remained calm, and daily activities continued as normal.
When contacted for comment, Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, declined to provide a statement, saying, “I cannot comment on the matter at this time.”
The incident has sparked speculation about its underlying causes, with some suggesting political motives, but neither the Kano State Government nor the Emirate Council has issued an official response
