[1] Ismail, a younger son, joined an abortive rebellion against his brother Musa, and was sheltered by the Maghsharen-koi, the leader of the Tuareg community of Timbuktu, in the aftermath.
[2]: 432 He was recalled to court by Askia Mohammed Benkan, given the king's sister as a wife, and made to swear a public loyalty oath.
[2]: 436 The conspiracy came to fruition in April 1537 when Benkan was encamped at a village called Mansur, site of the murder of his own predecessor Musa.
Benkan’s captains turned against him and he was deposed by the Dendi-fari, who then proclaimed Ismail as Askia.
He gave charge of the cavalry to Kurmina-fari Hammad and instructed them to chase and engage Bakabula until Ismail arrived.