The Kano State High Court, under the leadership of Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, has issued an order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations at the Nassarawa mini palace.

The court granted the injunction following a motion exparte filed by the plaintiffs/applicants, which include the Kano State government, the Attorney General of Kano State, and the Kano State Emirate Council.

The plaintiffs were represented by Rilwanu Umar Esq. and three other legal counsels.

In the court order, Justice Aboki directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo regarding the structural and architectural design of the palace until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

Reports had previously indicated that Emir Bayero began a facelift of the mini palace, showcasing a prototype of the planned renovations.

This development follows Bayero’s dethronement by Governor Abba Yusuf while he was away from the state, which led to the reinstatement of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who subsequently moved into the Kofar-Kudu palace.

Upon his return, Bayero was relocated to the Nassarawa mini palace, where he has continued to conduct court activities despite the ongoing legal battle over the palace renovations.

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.”