KANO, NIGERIA – Tension has escalated in Kano as rival supporters of the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and his deposed predecessor, Aminu Ado-Bayero, besieged the palace armed with dangerous weapons. This follows the return of the reinstated Emir Lamido Sanusi to the palace on Saturday morning.
The Bureau Newspaper observed dozens of armed thugs at the palace amidst speculation about Sanusi’s return. Supporters of the deposed emir were seen singing in his favor, while others, identifiable by their red caps as Sanusi’s supporters, were also present. Many individuals in both groups were armed with dangerous weapons.
Earlier, Governor Abba Yusuf ordered the arrest of Mr. Ado-Bayero for allegedly creating tension in the state. A government statement read: “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner of Police to arrest the deposed Emir with immediate effect for disturbing public peace and attempting to destroy the relative peace the state enjoys.”
Currently, Mr. Bayero is in the palace accompanied by security officials and supporters, while Mr. Sanusi has settled at the guest house of the emirate council in the Nasarawa area of the city.
More updates will follow as the situation develops.