The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, over the violent incident that marred the Sallah celebration in Kano on March 30, 2025.
In a statement on Sunday, the Force said it would instead send operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to Kano to obtain the monarch’s statement, following the intervention of “respected stakeholders.”
The Force explained that 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Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state,” but that it was rescinded “in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted.”
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“Following advice from respected stakeholders,” the police said, “the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.”
According to the statement signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force public relations officer, the police had earlier received credible intelligence that both Sanusi and his rival, Ado Bayero, planned to hold separate durbar festivals, an annual traditional procession on horseback, despite an agreement not to do so.
“To forestall possible violence,” Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police deployed Abubakar Sadiq, the coordinating deputy inspector-general of police for the North West, to hold dialogue with the two Emirs 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 would ride on horseback on Sallah Day,” the statement noted.
The police, however, said that despite this understanding, Sanusi chose to ride on horseback after Eid prayers, 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,” the statement added.
The Force said its warnings were intended to prevent such violence and that “some arrests have been made,” prompting the need for Sanusi’s statement.
The police reiterated their commitment to a fair and thorough investigation. “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. All individuals found culpable will, at the end, be brought to justice.”
The Force emphasised that its actions are “guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”
