The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn an earlier invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, in connection with an alleged murder incident that occurred during the Sallah celebrations in the state.
The police, however, have been directed to obtain a statement from the Emir through the Kano State Command. The directive was communicated by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The incident in question took place after Emir Sanusi returned from Eid prayers. While he had gone to the prayer ground on foot, he returned to his palace on horseback. The alleged murder occurred during this procession, prompting initial police interest.
According to Adejobi, the decision to withdraw the formal invitation was influenced by the intervention of key national stakeholders. He also stated that the move reflects the police leadership’s commitment to avoiding any policing actions that may be seen as politically motivated or subject to public misinterpretation.
Despite the withdrawal of the invitation, the police have reiterated their intent to proceed with due process in gathering relevant information from the Emir regarding the incident.
The statement read:
“The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
“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.
“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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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 Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated, on the instructions of the IGP, to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.
“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
“The Durbar Festival is a long-held tradition involving a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city accompanied by 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 neither of the disputed Emirs would ride on horseback 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. This was a situation the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by sending emissaries 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, in due course, be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made, prompting the invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.
“The Police Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”
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cc: Daily Post Ng
