Ayuba Sanusi
THE Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Emir Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on 30 March 2025.
The invitation was initially issued to enable Emir 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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.
Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Emir Sanusi’s statement.
According to the Force, prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
The Durbar Festival is a long-held tradition which involves a recognized 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.
Despite this agreement, Emir 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.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism including the investigation of this incident.
“All individuals found culpable will in the end be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting an invitation to Alhaji Sanusi. The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism”, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), said in a statement.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that the Force had in a letter dated 4 April 2025 and signed by the Commissioner of Police (Operations), CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, summoned the 16th Emir of Kano and directed to report to the Force Intelligence Department headquarters by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 8 April 2025
Eighteen-Eleven Media