Following the politicisation and tension generated by its earlier invitation to Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to appear in person at Force Headquarters Abuja on Tuesday morning, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn the summon to the monarch.
Emir Sanusi was to appear in person to answer questions over the the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025 where a man was killed during the procession by the Emir.
Earlier, the Police had invited the Emir’s aide, Wada Isyaku, who holds the title of ‘Shamakin Kano’ over alleged violation of a ban on Durbar, usually held to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
On Saturday the Police, in a letter dated 4 April and signed by Commissioner of Police Olajide Ibitoye, Emir Sanusi was invited following a directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, requesting that he report to the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters, Abuja on April 8, 2025 by 10 a.m.
But faced with a backlash over the invitation, the Police FID department was directed to obtain the monarch’s statement regarding the incident in his abode in Kano.
The IGP, who gave directive for the withdrawal of the invitation to appear in Abuja, said it has became imperative following the intervention of some stakeholders in the country.
According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi: “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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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 -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.”