Court Halts Kano Emir from Renovating Nasarawa Mini Palace

A Kano State High Court, on Friday, issued an interim order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovation plans for the Nasarawa mini palace.

The order, granted by Court One and presided over by Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, was in response to a suit filed by the Kano State Government, the Attorney-General, and the Kano Emirate. Emir Bayero is the sole defendant in the case.

The legal dispute arose following the emir’s use of the Nasarawa palace for official court proceedings after his return to Kano. This followed the dissolution of the Kano emirates by Governor Abba Yusuf in May 2024.

Justice Aboki ruled that all parties must maintain the status quo regarding the palace’s structural and architectural design until the case is heard and determined. The court specifically restrained the Emir, his agents, and any representatives from making any changes to the property, known as Gidan Sarki Nasarawa, located along State Road, Kano.

“An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under his instruction from demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing, or refurbishing the property pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice before this court,” Justice Aboki stated.

The plaintiffs had filed the ex parte motion on September 9, supported by a 33-paragraph affidavit sworn by Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, also known as Matawallen Kano. The court also ordered that the monarch be served with the court processes through substituted service and set October 2, 2024, for the hearing of the motion on notice.