IG of Police Rescinds Emir Sanusi’s invitation on Kano killings

Oluwakemi Kindness

The Nigeria Police Force on Sunday made a U-turn on its earlier invitation extended to Emir Mohammed Sanusi the II 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 Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

However, a statement on Sunday says 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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.

The statement by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi notes that instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Emir Sanusi’s statement.

Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State Ado Bayero and Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.

To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deploys 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”, he says.

Adejobi notes that despite this agreement, Emir 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 Sanusi and 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”.