JUST-IN: Police Withdraw Invite To Emir Sanusi II Over Kano Procession Violence

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.

LEADERSHIP learnt that 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that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation to the monarch be withdrawn.

The invitation was initially issued to enable the Emir to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

However, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Emir Sanusi II’s statement.

Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two rival Emirs in Kano Emirate – Alh Aminu Ado Bayero and Sanusi II – were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.

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The Durbar Festival is a long-held tradition which involves a recognised emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.

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 none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse 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 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.”