On Sunday evening, security agents assumed control of the main palace of the Emir of Kano, effectively removing the local hunters, known as ‘Yan Tauri,’ who had been guarding the reinstated Lamido Sanusi. The security shift occurred at the Gidan Rumfa palace, where the hunters had been stationed, reportedly engaging in leisure activities such as playing cards.
The Yan Tauri, recruited from various parts of the state, were initially deployed to the palace amid rumors of a federal plan to relocate Aminu Ado-Bayero. Ado-Bayero, recently removed from his position by the state government, is currently under federal security protection at the Nasarawa mini palace.
Attempts to reach Haruna Kiyawa, the police spokesperson in Kano, for comments were unsuccessful. However, a security source at the palace confirmed the removal of the hunters, stating, “Did you need me to tell you that they (hunters) are no longer here? You can see it yourself; everyone has found his way.”
Local residents corroborated the withdrawal of the hunters, noting that they left between Saturday and Sunday morning following a court ruling that invalidated Sanusi’s reappointment as emir. “Some of them left behind their machetes to conceal their identity after they were asked to vacate the palace or face the wrath of the security agents,” a resident disclosed.
The court ruling in question, delivered by Judge Abdullahi Liman, nullified Sanusi’s reappointment, citing the government’s disregard for an earlier court order. The order had restrained the state government from taking further action on the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024. The judge deemed the reappointment void due to this violation.
As the situation develops, the palace remains under police control, marking a significant turn in the ongoing emirship dispute in Kano.
