Palace Officials Sue Emir Sanusi II Over Alleged Unlawful Eviction and Demolition in Kano

Kano State, Nigeria — Nine senior palace officials have filed a lawsuit against the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and 12 others, accusing them of unlawful eviction and the demolition of their homes within the Kano palace grounds.

The case, Suit No: K/M1607/2025, is currently before Justice Musa Ahmad of the Bichi Judicial Division in Kano State.

Plaintiffs Allege Retaliation for Loyalty to Deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero

The plaintiffs, led by Usman Dako, Galadiman Sallama, include respected titleholders and palace staff who claim they are being targeted due to their loyalty to the deposed 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Other respondents in the case include:

• The Kano Emirate Council

• The Inspector General of Police

• The Department of State Services (DSS)

• The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

• Key palace administrators

According to court filings, the affected officials assert that their homes were demolished and they were forcibly removed from the palace, despite long-standing family ties and service to the Emirate.

Justice Ahmad has issued an interim order instructing all parties to maintain the status quo ante, effectively halting further evictions or demolitions pending further court proceedings. The court also permitted substituted service of court documents through the Emirate Council Secretariat and via courier delivery to respondents residing in Abuja.

“I Was Born in That Palace” — Galadiman Sallama Speaks Out

In a video circulating on social media, Usman Dako emotionally described the destruction of his family’s home:

“I was away when my wife called to tell me hoodlums were destroying the house. By the time I arrived, the house was in a terrible state.”

He added that the residence was a gift to his late father from the former Emir Ado Bayero, further reinforcing their deep-rooted connection to the palace.

“My father was born in the palace, and so was I. I see no reason why we are being pushed out simply for showing loyalty to Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, whose father had always treated us with kindness.”

Despite his eviction, Dako reaffirmed his allegiance to the deposed Emir.

Emir Sanusi II, Kano Emirate Council Yet to Respond

As of press time, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the Kano Emirate Council have not issued any official statement in response to the allegations or the ongoing legal proceedings.

This development adds further tension to the ongoing leadership crisis in Kano’s traditional institution, which has drawn national attention following the controversial reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II and the displacement of his successor, Aminu Ado Bayero.