In response to the Kano State government’s directive to remove the deposed Emir Aminu Bayero from the Nassarawa Palace, the State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, declared that the police force would not carry out the eviction order. Emir Bayero, on the other hand, attended Friday prayers amidst heightened security and a jubilant atmosphere at the mosque near the Palace.

Clad in traditional white royal attire and shielded by an umbrella reserved for Emirs, Emir Bayero made his way back to the palace with a heavily armed escort, surrounded by a large crowd of supporters. Commissioner Gumel emphasised that the state government had initiated legal proceedings regarding the eviction, scheduled to be heard on June 24, 2024.

Gumel pointed out that executing the eviction order prematurely would preempt the court’s decision, as the government had already filed a case related to the matter. The state government had instructed the Commissioner of Police to remove Bayero from the government-owned property he currently occupies following a court ruling on the Kano Emirate issue.

State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Haruna Dederi revealed during an urgent press conference that the state had finalised plans for extensive renovations of the Nassarawa Palace, including demolishing and rebuilding its deteriorating wall. Bulldozers were already positioned in front of the government house, prepared to begin the demolition process.

Early on Friday, a joint force comprising the Nigerian Army, Police, and Civil Defence secured all access points to the Palace from Commissioner Road, State Road, and Audu Bako Way to ensure the safety of the area surrounding Bayero’s residence.