Policemen have reportedly barricaded the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II’s palace, restricting him from attending a royal ceremony in Bichi Local Government Area.

The event was to feature the presentation of a staff of office to a new District Head of Bichi.

Channelstv reports that a source in the Kano Emirate disclosed that heavily armed security personnel, including armoured 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 was quoted to have said.

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,” a source close to the state government was also quoted to have said.

Meanwhile, the venue of the Bichi event was also reportedly cordoned off by security personnel, leaving attendees and organisers stranded.