Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun
Abuja, Nigeria, April6, 2025
Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, in connection with an incident that occurred in Kano during the eid el fitr celebration on March 30, 2025.
A statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, made this known on Sunday.
It said that 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 during the event.
“However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP directed that the invitation be withdrawn.
“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), were mandated to proceed to Kano, to obtain Emir Sanusi’s statement,” the statement emphasized.
It highlighted that prior to the Eid celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police, indicated that the two “disputed Emirs” in Kano, Alh Aminu Ado-Bayero and Alh Sanusi Lamido-Sanusi, planed to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
The Durbar Festival is a tradition which involves horse riding by the Emir and his entourage, where they go around the city to greet the subjects to celebrate the Eid.
The statement explained that to forestall possible violence, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed the coordinating DIG for the North West, in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage in dialogue with the two disputed 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 will ride on horse on Eid day.
“Despite the agreement, Emir Sanusi attended the Eid Prayers in a car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid prayers on the same 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,” the statement claimed.
The statement however, maintained that the earlier warning was intended to avert the emissaries sent to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero
The NPF in the statement, said it remains resolute, in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigations, with the highest level of professionalism, including the investigation of this incident.
It emphasized that all individuals found culpable, will be brought to justice, revealing that some arrests have been made, prompting invitation to Emir Sanusi.
Furthermore, the Force according to the statement, wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.
