Kano Sallah Violence: Police Withdraw Invitation to Emir Sanusi, Launch Probe

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn its invitation to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding a violent incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration in Kano State on March 30, 2025.

The police had initially summoned the Emir for questioning following the fatal stabbing of one of his palace guards during the Eid celebrations.

The incident, which occurred on March 30 at the Kofar Mata Eid Ground, sent shockwaves across the ancient city as violence marred what was supposed to be a solemn religious occasion.

A vigilante attached to the Emir’s security detail was stabbed to death, while several others sustained injuries in the bloody attack.

A statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the initial invitation was issued to allow Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in Kano.

He asserted that instead, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had directed operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to proceed to Kano to obtain the Emir’s statement.

The NPF explained that the withdrawal followed advice from stakeholders and the IGP’s commitment to ensuring policing actions are not politicised.

READ ALSO: Group Slams Police for Inviting Emir of Kano for Questioning, Cites Ulterior Motives

The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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 -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 recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.”

The statement said to forestall possible violence, Egbetokun deployed the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq — who also heads the Force Criminal Investigation Department — to engage in dialogue with the two contending Emirs in Kano and the Kano State Government.

The statement stated, “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,” the statement added.

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