By THE Nigeria Police Force has officially withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi in connection with the violent disruption that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on 30 March 2025.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed that operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have now been directed to travel to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s account of the events.
Aminu Ado Bayero and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
The invitation, according to the police, was initially intended to “enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.”
However, in what the statement described as “a commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted,” the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, ordered that the invitation be rescinded.
“The IGP, in consultation with respected stakeholders, directed that the invitation be withdrawn and that operatives of the FID should, instead, proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement,” said Adejobi.
Tensions in Kano escalated following reports that both disputed Emirs in the state—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—had planned to hold separate Durbar Festivals, a revered cultural procession involving an Emir riding on horseback through the city.
In anticipation of unrest, the IGP had deployed DIG Abubakar Sadiq, the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North-West, to mediate between the two parties and the Kano State Government.
“It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held and that neither of the disputed emirs would ride on horseback on Sallah Day, in order to maintain peace and public safety,” the statement noted.
Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi, after attending Eid Prayers by car, mounted a horse in a post-prayer procession, reportedly accompanied by local vigilantes.
The move allegedly incited a violent reaction from some local youths, culminating in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.
The police said they had earlier issued warnings to prevent such an outcome. “This situation was precisely what the Force intended to avert by sending emissaries to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero before the celebration,” the statement added.
Some arrests have already been made in connection with the violence, and the police affirmed that investigations are ongoing.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to conducting criminal investigations with the utmost professionalism.
“All individuals found culpable will be brought to justice,” Adejobi said, reiterating the Force’s principles of “justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”
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