Security operatives, on Friday morning, sealed off the Gidan Rumfa Emir Palace, effectively preventing Emir Muhammadu Sanusi from leaving to attend a significant royal event in Bichi. Eyewitnesses confirmed that heavily armed personnel, including police, soldiers, and DSS operatives, blocked all access points to the palace with armored vehicles.
According to a source within the Kano Emirate, Emir Sanusi had been scheduled to attend a staff presentation ceremony for the newly appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, in Bichi, approximately 50 kilometers away from Kano.
However, in the early hours of the day, security forces arrived at the palace and instructed the Emir to remain indoors. No reason or official explanation was provided for their actions.
“The Emir has been on the phone and is trying to find out what is going on,” the source revealed.
Attempts by a delegation sent by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to mediate were reportedly thwarted, as they too were denied access to the palace. Meanwhile, security barricades were also observed at the Bichi Palace, the venue for the scheduled ceremony.
This unexpected move has triggered widespread speculation, with many suggesting political motives linked to the recent repeal of the Kano Emirates Council Law earlier this year. The controversial law had abolished four newly created emirates—Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye—leaving only the Kano Emirate.
When approached for comment, Kano State Police Public Relations Officer SP Abdullahi Haruna stated, “I cannot comment on the matter at this time.”
