The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn its invitation to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II in connection with the violent clash that marred the Sallah celebrations in Kano State on March 30, 2025.
Okay.ng reports that the decision was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, the initial invitation was intended to enable Sanusi provide his account of the incident, which led to the death of one person and injuries to several others. However, the invitation was withdrawn following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s directive to avoid politicisation of policing actions.
“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement,” the statement said.
“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh 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 company of his people.
“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, Alhaji Aminu 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 at the end be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.
“The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”
