Kano Lawyers Decry Ban On Sallah Durbar

The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has condemned the recent ban on Sallah Durbar festivities across the four Kano Emirates, describing it as violating cultural and human rights protected under national and international laws.

The Forum, in an open letter to the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, signed by the group‘s leader, Barrister Usman Tudun-Wazirchi, of which a copy was made available to Leadership, expressed gratitude to the police for maintaining relative peace during the Sallah period.

However, they criticised the decision to prohibit Durbar celebrations, calling it “a denial of cultural rights and historical expression of identity recognised under Nigerian law and international human rights conventions such as the African Charter and the ICCPR.

They also kicked against the police‘s attempt to indict the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, for an attack staged on the palace guards where one of the vigilantes attached to the palace was killed.

According to the letter, although the IGP‘s invitation to Sanusi to appear at the force headquarters has been withdrawn, they would have resisted any attempt by the police to disrespect the traditional status of Hausa/ Fulani.

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“We appreciate the proactive security efforts during Sallah. Yet, the blanket ban contradicted the cultural freedoms of the people, including their rights to religion, expression, and celebration of heritage.

The lawyers also argued that the ban could be politically motivated, warning against using security concerns as a pretext to suppress Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and others.

“This appears more like political victimisation, especially when Durbar celebrations were allowed in more volatile regions.“

However, they urged the security agencies to uphold cultural rights and ensure equitable treatment across Nigeria‘s states, stressing that isolating Kano in such decisions undermines national unity and historical pride.