A Kano State High Court presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Dije Aboki has granted an order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero from renovating the Nassarawa mini palace.
Justice Aboki gave the order following a motion exparte filed by the plaintiffs/applicants, who were represented by Rilwanu Umar Esq. and three other counsels.
Plantifitts/Applicants in the suit were the Kano State government, the Attorney General of Kano State and the Kano State Emirate Council.
The Court order sighted quoted Justice Aboki directing all parties in the suit to maintain the status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before the court.
Recall that Bayero was reportedly said to have begun the facelift of the mini palace with the emergence of the prototype containing how the mini palace will look like upon completion of the facelift.
The embattled Emir was dethroned by Governor Abba Yusuf while away outside the state (the palace) and that which paved the way for the reinstatement of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II who was immediately moved into the Kofar-Kudu palace to ascend the throne.
Upon state return, Bayero was forced to occupy the Nassarawa mini palace in what could be described as a sit tight where he carries out his courts.
However, the court order reads: “That an order of Interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under the instruction and command of the Defendant in whatever manner from further demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing and refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situated along State Road, Kano pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice before this court.
“That an order is made directing parties to this suit to maintain status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this Honourable Court.
“Plaintiffs/Applicants to serve the Originating Process, Motion on Notice and other subsequent processes in this suit on the Defendant via substituted means to wit, by Pasting and or leaving same at the frontage of the Property Gidan Sarki Nassarawa or give the said Originating Process and other subsequent processes to any Adult aide of the Defendant in the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situate along State Road, Kano.
“That the case is adjourned to 2/10/2024 for hearing of the motion on notice,” the order reads.
Recall that in the heat of the controversy, the Kano State government issued a quick notice to the embattled Emir to vacate the house as the government is planning to carry out a massive renovation of the house.
Recall also that the government earmarked a sum of N99.9 million to carry out the renovation exercise.