The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, addressed the public following the blockade of his palace by heavily armed police officers on Friday, December 6, 2024.
The incident prevented him from participating in a royal ceremony in Bichi Local Government Area.
Speaking during a sermon at the Emirate’s Jumu’at Mosque, Sanusi urged his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid falling into provocations aimed at destabilizing Kano.
“I caution you against giving in to the plans of those who wish to ignite chaos in Kano. They thrive on violence, destruction, and harm to innocent lives,” he stated.
According to the Saturday Punch, Sanusi emphasized the virtues of patience and peace, urging his followers to resist any temptation to engage in violence, regardless of the situation.
Earlier that day, armed security personnel, including armoured vehicles, surrounded the Kano Emir’s Palace at Kofar Kudu, halting human and vehicular movements.
Reports revealed that the Emir was set to officiate the turning of the newly appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, as the District Head of Bichi and present him with a staff of office.
However, security forces reportedly instructed him to remain inside the palace.
Traditional rulers and dignitaries who gathered to accompany the Emir to Bichi were left stranded, with some trekking to the central mosque for Friday prayers as movement around the palace was restricted.
The Bichi Emir’s Palace was similarly cordoned off by armed police.
The exact reason for the heightened security presence remains unclear. Efforts to contact the Kano Police Command for clarification were unsuccessful.
Speculation suggests the deployment may relate to ongoing legal disputes over the Kano Emirate throne, which has seen conflicting court rulings regarding the authority of the Emir.
The Kano State Government has condemned the blockade. Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, Secretary to the State Government, called the action unjustified, alleging it was an orchestrated attempt to incite unrest in the state.
He assured residents of Bichi’s peaceful nature and expressed readiness to support the Emir in rescheduling the ceremony.
Meanwhile, some residents have criticized the police’s actions, calling it an infringement on the Emir’s rights.
Speculation persists that the police operation may have been tied to a court order enforcement related to the throne’s ongoing legal contest.
The legal conflict over the Kano Emirate remains unresolved, with both federal and state courts issuing contradictory rulings on the powers of Sanusi and Aminu Ado-Bayero, escalating tensions over the emirship’s legitimacy.
