The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn the invitation earlier extended to the 16th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, in connection with the violent incident that marred the Sallah celebration in Kano State on March 30, 2025.
The Force had initially summoned the monarch to provide his account of events that led to the breakdown of law and order during the celebration.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed the withdrawal of the invitation.
According to Adejobi, the decision followed counsel from respected stakeholders and was in line with the IGP’s resolve to prevent the politicisation or misinterpretation of policing efforts.
“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department have been tasked to proceed to Kano to obtain Emir Sanusi’s statement,” the statement noted.
Adejobi revealed that prior to the Sallah festivities, credible intelligence had indicated that the two disputed emirs in the state—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—were planning to stage separate Durbar festivals.
The Durbar, a traditional procession where an emir rides through the city on horseback, is a major highlight of the Sallah celebration in Kano.
To prevent potential clashes, the IGP had deployed the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North-West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to hold dialogue with both traditional leaders and the Kano State Government.
The meeting resulted in a mutual agreement that no Durbar procession would be held, and neither of the rival emirs would ride on horseback during the celebration.
Despite the agreement, Sanusi, who had arrived at the Eid prayer ground by car, reportedly mounted a horse in a post-prayer procession accompanied by local vigilantes.
The act allegedly sparked unrest among youths in the community, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and leaving several others injured.
The police noted that the tragic outcome was one they had sought to avoid through earlier engagement with both Sanusi and Bayero.
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