The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation to the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, for interrogation. Instead, the IGP deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to obtain Mr. Sanusi’s statement in Kano.
The police initially invited the emir to appear in Abuja for questioning over a fracas during Sallah festivities. The Kano emirate has been embroiled in crisis since Mr. Sanusi’s reinstatement as Emir in May 2024.
Read Also: Kano Emir Sanusi II summoned by IGP for Questioning
To effect the reinstatement, Governor Abba Yusuf dethroned Aminu Ado Bayero, who replaced Mr. Sanusi in 2020. A tussle between Messrs Sanusi and Ado Bayero over the Kano Emirship stool has lingered, precipitating the recent fracas.
In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the invitation was withdrawn following advice from respected stakeholders. “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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.”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 FID have been mandated to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement. The statement also chronicled events leading up to the March 30 mayhem.
Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence indicated that the two 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 involving a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city with his people.
To forestall possible violence, the IGP deployed DIG Abubakar Sadiq to engage in dialogue with the disputed Emirs and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety.
Despite this agreement, Mr. Sanusi decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid Prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes. This triggered a confrontation, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru and several injuries.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to conducting its criminal investigation duties with professionalism. All individuals found culpable will be brought to justice. Some arrests have been made, and the Force wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by justice, neutrality, and professionalism.