Police have taken control of the palace of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II in Kano. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Emir was scheduled to address economists on the topic of tax reform bills.

At the time of reporting, police vehicles were blocking access to the palace, and a heavy presence of officers prevented several individuals, including alleged thugs, from entering. Gunshots were heard as police maintained security around the area.

The Emir is reported to have left the palace amid the unrest. Daily Trust indicates that the situation could also be linked to Sanusi’s upcoming visit to Bichi town, where his chief of staff, Munnir Sanusi, is set to assume the role of district head for the first time since the dissolution of the emirate.

Kano has been embroiled in an ongoing emirship dispute since Sanusi’s reinstatement in May.