The Nigeria Police have withdrawn the invitation earlier extended to to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, over the stabbing to death of a palace guard in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
The invitation had summoned the Emir to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, to enable the emir give account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
Eminent Nigerians, including businessman Atedo Peterside, human rights activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, as well as groups in Kano, had condemned the invitation of the foremost Emir as disrespect.
They wondered why the Emir could not be interrogated in Kano by the commissioner of Police.
In response the police retraced their steps in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi on Sunday night.
It said, “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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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, FID, have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.
“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) 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 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 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.”
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