By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, April 6, 2025 withdrew an earlier invitation to the factional Emir of Kano ,Sanusi Lamido, to appear for questioning in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Force Headquarters had, on Friday, April 4, invited Sanusi ,who is embroiled in a bitter tussle with Emir Aminu Ado Bayero for the Kano Emirate throne, to appear before the Force Criminal Investigation Department to answer questions arising from the Sallah day violence that led to the death of one person, and the injuring of many others.
The Kano State Police Command, based on some unfavourable security reports, had banned the camps of Sanusi and Bayero from holding any Sallah Durbar or procession during and after the festivities.
The Police authorities said that the move was to avert any possible breakdown of law and order which may be occasioned if the two contending Emirs went ahead with the holding of the traditional durbar ceremony simultaneously.
Since the start of the struggle between the two for the Kano throne in 2024 ,the Police had banned the glamorous Sallah Durbar to avert violence.
However, reports had indicated that the camp of Sanusi observed the ban in breach, as he was said to have, apart from conducting the Sallah prayers at the Eid ground, also mounted a horse in procession to and from his City palace.
The violation of the Police ban on procession was said to have led to the violence that almost marred the Sallah celebrated in Kano.
The invitation to Sanusi was received by mixed feelings and raised quite some tension in the State. Not a few felt it was rude to invite the Emir to Force Headquarters for questioning.
But in a statement issued on Sunday by Force Public Relation Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP directed operatives assigned the investigation to proceed to Kano and obtain Sanusi’s statement in the Palace.
“The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano on March 30, 2025.
“The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide 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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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, ” the Police noted.
According to the Police, despite the agreement reached by all the parties in the Emirship tussle ,Sanusi decided to mount a horse in a procession after the Eid Prayers on Wallah day.
“This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagir, and leaving 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 police stated.
Following, is the full text of the withdrawal statement by the Police.
Why We Are Interviewing Sanusi – FHQ
“The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji 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 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 Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, 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, mni , 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.
“ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja.”
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