Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reportedly ordered security forces to arrest the deposed Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero. 

The development comes amidst heightened tensions in the state, as the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II returned to the Kano Emir’s Palace early Saturday morning to counteract federal government plans to reinstate the deposed Emir, Aminu Bayero, covertly.

Heavy security had been deployed to the Kano Emir’s Palace to protect the deposed Emir, who was already in Kano.

On Thursday, Governor Yusuf signed the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment Number 2) Law, 2024, effectively abolishing the establishment of the five emirate councils of Kano, Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya. 

The move consolidates the emirate system back to a single entity under Kano, aimed at reinstating Sanusi II.

The governor’s actions are seen as a direct challenge to the previous administration’s decision to depose Sanusi II in 2020.

Meanwhile, there are fears that the deployment of heavy security and the potential arrest of Emir Aminu Ado Bayero could lead to further instability in Kano.