Citizens of Kano woke on Friday to another crisis as armed policemen sealed off the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi’s Palace and prevented him from leaving the premises.
Emir Sanusi was scheduled to attend a royal ceremony in Bichi Local government where he would present a staff of office to the district head of Bichi.
Bichi is one of the four emirates created during the tenure of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, which were later dissolved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Heavily armed security personnel, including armored personnel carriers (APCs), barricaded the entrance of the Emir’s palace, restricting all movement.
“The Emir has been on the phone trying to understand what is happening. He was prepared to leave for the ceremony when the security operatives arrived and ordered him to remain indoors,” an anonymous source within the palace revealed,” said a Palace official
Efforts by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to intervene also faced hurdles, as his delegation was reportedly denied entry into the palace.
“His Excellency sent representatives to meet with the Emir and mediate, but even they were not allowed past the barricade,” said a source close to the state government.
Meanwhile, the venue of the Bichi event was also cordoned off by security personnel, leaving attendees and organisers stranded.
When reached for comment, Kano State Police Public Relations Officer SP Abdullahi Haruna declined to provide any statement, saying, “I cannot comment on the matter at this time.”
The incident has sparked widespread speculation regarding the reasons behind the action, with some suggesting political undertones.
