Police withdraw invite letter, send senior cops to probe Emir Sanusi in Kano

The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn an earlier invitation extended to His Highness, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, in connection a public disturbance that occurred during the Sallah celebration in Kano State on March 30, 2025.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement on Sunday that the invitation was initially issued to Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account regarding the disruption of peace in the state.

He said, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to preventing the politicization or misinterpretation of policing actions, the IGP has ordered the withdrawal of the letter.

Instead, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), under the directive of the IGP, will proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement as part of the ongoing investigation.

Olumuyiwa added that prior to the Sallah celebration, credible intelligence indicated that both disputed Emirs of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi intended to hold separate Durbar Festivals, a culturally significant event involving ceremonial horse-riding by the Emir and his subjects.

To prevent a potential breakdown of law and order, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to mediate between both parties and the Kano and the Kano State Government.

According to him, it was mutually agreed that neither Emir would hold the Durbar nor engage in horse-riding during the festivities.

Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi, who arrived for the Eid prayers in a vehicle, later mounted a horse and led a procession accompanied by local vigilantes.

This action reportedly triggered unrest in the community, culminating in a confrontation that led to the death of one Usman Sagiru and left several others injured, a situation the Police had worked to prevent.

He said the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains committed to a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

He stressed that several arrests have been made in connection with the incident adding that the Police would ensure that all individuals found culpable are brought to justice.