

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has denied allegations that he facilitated the return of Aminu Bayero, the recently dethroned Emir of Kano, to the state.
Bayero arrived in Kano early Saturday morning and proceeded to a palace in Nassarawa LGA, accompanied by a squad of soldiers who had protected him prior to his dethronement. His return sparked a significant reaction, with Kano Governor Abba Yusuf ordering Bayero’s arrest after he was greeted by a large crowd of supporters.
In the aftermath, Aminu Gwarzo, the Deputy Governor of Kano, accused Ribadu of aiding Bayero’s return by providing him with two private jets. “The national security adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned emir to Kano and to the palace. We have not understood their intention,” Gwarzo stated.
However, Ribadu’s office firmly denied these claims. In a statement, Zakari Mijinyawa, spokesperson for the NSA, dismissed the allegations as false. “The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kano,” the statement read. Mijinyawa urged political figures to avoid spreading misinformation as law enforcement officials work to maintain peace and order in the state.
Bayero’s dethronement and the subsequent events follow significant changes in Kano’s traditional leadership. He was replaced by Muhammadu Sanusi, who himself was deposed in 2020 after a fallout with then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Recently, the Kano House of Assembly repealed a 2019 law that fragmented the emirate into five jurisdictions, effectively restoring the old order with a single Emir overseeing Kano.
Governor Yusuf had issued an ultimatum for the sacked monarchs to vacate their palaces within 48 hours. The emirs of Bichi, Rano, Karaye, and Gaya have complied with this directive.
