Tensions escalated in Kano State on Monday night with reports of gunfire near the temporary residence of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, located in the Nasarawa GRA area close to the Kano Government House. This incident comes amid intense political and security issues surrounding the leadership of the emirate.
Bayero has been residing in a mini palace, roughly 300 meters from the Kano Government House. This area has been under heavy surveillance by security forces due to the ongoing leadership disputes.
The gunshots were reported a day after another tense incident at the main Emir’s palace, where reinstated Emir Lamido Sanusi resides. Armed hunters had attempted to confront protesters who were urging the governor to comply with a court order preventing Ado Bayero’s removal. Security agents at the palace managed to prevent any violence during that clash.
Sources from Premium Times suggest that the gunfire near Bayero’s mini palace might have been an attempt to prevent any attempts to arrest him, following a state High Court order issued earlier that day mandating his eviction.
The sound of gunfire caused panic among residents and passersby, with some altering their routes out of fear of an attack on the palace. One resident shared, “My wife just called me saying there’s heavy gunfire at the Emir’s palace, and people are unsure of what’s happening. Those heading to Ahmadu Bello Way are changing their routes.”
It remains unclear whether the gunshots were fired by security agents or palace guards. The development followed a court order from the Kano State High Court instructing the dethroned Emir Ado Bayero and his colleagues in Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye Emirates to cease presenting themselves as emirs. The interim injunction was issued pending the hearing and determination of a motion filed by the Kano State Attorney General, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, and the Kano State House of Assembly.
