The Nigeria Police Force has reversed its earlier decision summoning the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for questioning over a violent incident that disrupted the Sallah festivities in Kano State on March 30, 2025.
Initially, Sanusi was invited to appear at the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, to explain the circumstances surrounding the unrest that followed his traditional horse-riding procession after Eid prayers, a move the police claim violated established security protocols.
In a formal letter addressed to the Emir and signed by Commissioner of Police Olajide Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department, Sanusi was requested to clarify his role in the controversial procession that allegedly triggered the violence.
However, on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement from Abuja announcing the withdrawal of the police invitation.
According to Adejobi, the decision came after extensive consultations with key stakeholders and aligns with the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s objective to ensure that police operations remain free from political interference or misrepresentation.
Adejobi explained, “The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
“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.
“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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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 have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.”
Prior to the Sallah festivities, the IGP had deployed the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General for the North-West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to mediate between the two contending Emirs, Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—and the Kano State Government.
The mission aimed to prevent dual Durbar celebrations and avert violence.
Adejobi revealed, “Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the police indicated that the two 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 recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in the company of his people.
“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, 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 would ride on horse on Sallah Day.”
Despite this agreement, Sanusi reportedly arrived at the Eid prayer ground in a car but mounted a horse after the prayers and led a procession with local vigilantes, defying the consensus reached earlier.
“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,” Adejobi noted.
He affirmed that the police condemned the violation of the agreement and pledged to continue their investigations with professionalism and neutrality. Arrests have reportedly been made in connection with the disturbance.
