The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Sunday evening withdraws the letter of invitation to the 16th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammadu Sani to appear before the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja over the crises that trailed celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in Kano on March 30, 2025.
A clash between youth groups believed to be supporters of Sanusi and the rival contender to Emirship, Ado Bayero led to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru with many others injured during the Sallah celebration.
The incident occured when Sanusi was leading a procession after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers.
However, while the letter of invitation was withdrawn, the IGP has directed operatives of the FID to proceed to Kano to obtain the statement from Sanusi over the incident, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Spokesperson said in a statement.
According to the statement, the decision to withdraw the letter followed advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the IGP’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted,
“The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state,” Adejobi said.
While justifying the move by the police to obtain the statement of Sanusi over the incident, Adejobi, in the statement said “Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) 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 which involves a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.
“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, deployed 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, mni , 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.
“Despite this agreement, Alhaji 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 Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji 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.”
