The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn its earlier invitation to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in connection with the terrible incident that took place in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
Our correspondent found out that following counsel 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that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP directed that the invitation to the monarch be withdrawn.
The invitation was initially addressed to open ground for the Emir to give his account of the events that resulted in the breakdown of law and order in the state.
However, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been requested, on the instructions of the IGP, to proceed to Kano to obtain Emir Sanusi II’s statement.
Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence available to the Police indicated that the two rival Emirs in the Kano Emirate — Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Sanusi II — were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
The Durbar Festival is an norm and tradition in which a recognized Emir rides on horseback around the city in the company of his subjects.
Adejobi said: “To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode 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 that none of the disputed Emirs would ride on horseback on Sallah Day.
“Despite this agreement, Sanusi, who had attended the Eid Prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after the prayers, accompanied by local vigilantes. This triggered a confrontation with youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru and leaving several others injured — a situation the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert.”
