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The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn an earlier invitation extended to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II in connection with the violent incident that marred Sallah celebrations in Kano State on March 30, 2025.
Sanusi was initially summoned to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order following the controversial horse-riding procession he led after Eid Prayers—an act the Police say contravened prior security arrangements.
In a letter addressed to him, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, he was asked to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, to answer some questions regarding the incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within his domain.
However, in a statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the decision to withdraw the invitation followed consultations with respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s commitment to ensuring policing activities are not politicised or misinterpreted.
Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department have been dispatched to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement discreetly.
Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
“However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn. Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.”
Adejobi said the IGP had earlier deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage the two disputed Emirs—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—as well as the Kano State Government, in a bid to prevent parallel Durbar festivals and potential clashes.
He said, “Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals. The Durbar Festival is a long-held tradition which involves a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in the company of his people.
“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in kano and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse on Sallah day.”
Adejobi said despite this agreement, Sanusi, who had arrived at Eid grounds by car, mounted a horse after prayers and proceeded in a procession accompanied by local vigilantes.
He said, “Despite this agreement, Alhaji Aminu Sanusi who had attended the Eid Prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid Prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes.
“This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured. A situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero”
Adejobi said the Police condemned the breach of agreement and vowed to continue their investigation with professionalism and impartiality.
He added that arrests had already been made in connection with the incident.
