The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, in connection with the unrest that marred the Sallah celebrations in Kano on March 30, 2025.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the invitation was initially issued to enable Sanusi to give his account regarding the events that led to a breakdown of law and order during the Eid festivities.
However, the police said the invitation was withdrawn following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) determination to ensure that policing actions are not politicized.
“The IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn. Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement,” the statement said.
The police revealed that prior to the Sallah celebrations, credible intelligence indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano – Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi – were planning to stage separate Durbar festivals, a traditional procession involving horse-riding through the city.
To avoid a possible outbreak of violence, the 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 State Government. It was reportedly agreed that neither faction would hold a Durbar or engage in any horse-riding procession on Sallah day.
However, in defiance of the agreement, Sanusi—who had arrived the Eid prayer ground in a vehicle—mounted a horse in procession after prayers, accompanied by local vigilantes. The incident reportedly sparked a confrontation with local youths, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.
The police stressed that this unfortunate development was precisely what they had sought to prevent through early dialogue and security warnings.
The statement reiterated the IGP’s commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and justice, stating that investigations into the incident are ongoing and that arrests have already been made.
“All individuals found culpable will be brought to justice,” it concluded.
