Muhammad Kwassau

Muhammad Kwassau was the last independent Emir of Zazzau before the emirate came under British colonial rule following the[British campaign against the Sokoto Caliphate. He reigned from 1897 until his deposition by the British in 1902, marking the end of Zazzau's political independence.

Reign

Muhammad Kwassau became Emir of Zazzau in 1897 after being chosen by the emirate's kingmakers during a succession dispute. Contemporary accounts indicate that his selection occurred under the threat of armed conflict among rival claimants.

Despite his cooperation, the British colonial authorities removed him from office in 1902 during the consolidation of colonial rule in Northern Nigeria. His deposition ended the independence of the Zazzau Emirate, which thereafter became part of the British Protectorate of Northern Nigeria.