The Court of Appeal in Abuja has issued an order halting the enforcement of its January 10 judgment that had upheld the Kano State Government’s repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law. This decision effectively pauses the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano, pending a final determination by the Supreme Court.

Previously, the appellate court had overturned a June 20, 2024, ruling by the Federal High Court in Kano, which had nullified the state’s actions under the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. These actions included dissolving five newly created emirates and reinstating Sanusi II as Emir. The Court of Appeal determined that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, which are under the purview of state courts.

In response to the appellate court’s January 10 judgment, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi (Sarkin Dawaki Babba) filed an application seeking to restrain the enforcement of the judgment while the case is pending before the Supreme Court. The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Okon Abang, granted this request, effectively maintaining the status quo until the Supreme Court renders its decision.