Politics

BREAKING: Gunshots Reported Near Kano Emir’s Palace

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 28th, 2024.

BREAKING: Gunshots Reported Near Kano Emir’s Palace

On Monday night, gunfire was reported near the mini palace in Nasarawa GRA where the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, is residing.

The palace, situated approximately 300 meters from the Kano Government House, is in an area where vehicle movement is restricted to a single lane leading to Tarauni.

The emir’s palace, currently bustling with activity, is under the watch of a combined security team.

On Sunday, armed hunters at the main Emir’s palace, where reinstated Emir Lamido Sanusi resides, attempted to attack protesters urging the Kano governor to comply with a court order preventing the removal of Mr. Ado Bayero. The hunters desisted due to the security presence at the palace.

Some locals and passersby suspect the gunfire was meant to deter any attempt to arrest Mr. Ado Bayero after a state High Court ordered his eviction from the palace on Monday.

A resident informed PREMIUM TIMES that some commuters diverted their routes in fear, thinking the palace was under siege.

“Did you hear about the incident at Aminu Ado Bayero’s palace? My wife just called saying there’s heavy gunfire at the Emir’s palace, and no one knows what’s happening. The shots are coming from the direction of the palace,” a resident told PREMIUM TIMES.

“People heading to Ahmadu Bello Way are changing their routes, but the exact situation remains unclear,” the resident added.

It is not yet known whether the gunshots were fired by security agents or palace guards. Efforts to reach Kano State Police Commissioner Muhammad Gumel and spokesperson Haruna Kiyawa for comments were unsuccessful.

This development follows a court order from the Kano State High Court, which mandated the eviction of the dethroned Emir, Mr. Ado Bayero, from his palace. The court also ordered Mr. Ado Bayero and his counterparts in Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye Emirates to cease presenting themselves as emirs. This interim injunction is pending the hearing and determination of the motion filed by the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the House of Assembly itself.