Police Raid Kano Emir’s Palace, Remove Hunters Guarding Sanusi

Security forces have taken control of the main palace of the Emir of Kano, displacing local hunters who had been guarding the reinstated Emir Lamido Sanusi.

It was reported that the hunters, locally known as ‘Yan Tauri’, had been stationed at Gidan Rumfa, the emir’s palace, in response to rumors of a federal plan to relocate Aminu Ado-Bayero amid the ongoing emirship dispute. Ado-Bayero, who was ousted by the state government last month, is currently under the protection of federal security agents at the Nasarawa mini palace.

On Sunday evening, SK Blog observed a team of security agents taking over Gidan Rumfa, where the hunters were seen engaging in leisure activities such as playing cards. The police presence signaled a significant shift in the security arrangement at the palace.

Attempts to reach the Kano state police spokesperson, Haruna Kiyawa, for comments on the operation 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 informed Premium Times Reporter that the hunters withdrew from the palace between Saturday and Sunday morning, following a court ruling that invalidated Mr. 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,” one resident reported.

This development follows a recent court decision by Judge Abdullahi Liman, who ruled that Mr. Sanusi’s reappointment was null and void, citing the state government’s violation of a prior court order. The court also mandated the suspension of the Kano Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, which had facilitated the reappointment.