The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, in connection with a tragic incident that occurred during the recent Sallah festivities in Kano. The decision to retract the invitation came after consultations with key stakeholders, according to a statement released by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The Emir had been summoned by the police to provide his account of events surrounding a violent clash that followed the Sallah prayers on March 30, 2025. The violence led to the death of one person, Usman Sagiru, and left several others injured.
Despite the withdrawal of the invitation, the police have not fully closed the case. Instead, the IGP has ordered the Kano State Police Command to gather information directly from the Emir. The Force Intelligence Department (FID) has been tasked with obtaining a statement from Emir Sanusi to assist in the ongoing investigation into the unfortunate incident.
According to the police statement, the withdrawal of the invitation was influenced by the intervention of respected stakeholders. The IGP emphasized that the police force remains committed to ensuring that its actions are not politicized or misinterpreted. The primary goal of the police, the IGP stated, is to carry out their duties with professionalism, neutrality, and fairness.
The incident that led to the police summons occurred on Sallah Day, a significant occasion for Muslims in Nigeria. Emir Sanusi had attended the Eid prayers on foot, but after the prayers, he mounted a horse in a procession through the city. This act, according to the police, was in direct contradiction to an earlier agreement between the authorities and the two contested Emirs in Kano State, Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi.
Before the Sallah festivities, the police had received credible intelligence suggesting that the two Emirs were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals, a traditional event where the Emir rides a horse through the city accompanied by his followers. This longstanding tradition had the potential to stir tensions, especially given the ongoing dispute between the two men over the leadership of the Kano Emirate.
In light of these concerns, IGP Egbetokun had taken proactive steps to prevent any violence. The IGP deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to engage in dialogue with both Emirs and the Kano State Government. As a result, it was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would take place, and neither of the Emirs would ride horseback during the Sallah celebrations.
However, despite this agreement, Emir Sanusi reportedly defied the instructions. After attending the Eid prayers in his car, he mounted a horse and proceeded through the city in a procession, accompanied by local vigilantes. The sight of the Emir riding a horse led to a confrontation with local youths, who opposed his actions. The violent clash that followed resulted in the death of Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier warned that such an incident could arise if the Emirs went ahead with their plans for the Durbar, and unfortunately, the tragic event unfolded as feared. In response to the violence, the police made several arrests, which led to the initial invitation to Emir Sanusi to clarify his role in the incident.
The police have made it clear that their investigation into the incident will continue. The IGP’s directive to withdraw the invitation to Emir Sanusi does not mean the investigation is over. Rather, the police will continue to collect statements and evidence from all involved parties.
The police force has stated that it will ensure that the investigation is conducted with the highest level of professionalism and that anyone found responsible for the violence will face justice. Several arrests have already been made in connection with the incident, and the police are confident that they will uncover all the facts surrounding the events of Sallah Day.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the police will also focus on understanding the broader context of the violence. Tensions between the two Emirs have been high in recent months, and the role of local vigilantes in the clash is also being scrutinized. While the police are committed to identifying the perpetrators of the violence, they have also assured the public that their actions will be guided by neutrality, ensuring that no one is unfairly targeted due to political or personal considerations.
As of now, Emir Sanusi has not publicly commented on the police’s decision to withdraw the invitation. However, the Kano Emir has faced growing controversy over his leadership and his role in the Emirate’s traditional affairs. His defiance of the earlier agreement not to hold a Durbar Festival on Sallah Day has further fueled tensions, and his actions are being closely watched by both his supporters and detractors.
The situation in Kano highlights the delicate balance that traditional institutions like the Emirate hold in Nigerian society. The role of the Emir is not only ceremonial but also political, with significant influence over the local community. The ongoing rivalry between Emir Sanusi and Emir Ado Bayero has contributed to heightened political and social tensions in the region, and it remains to be seen how the investigation and subsequent actions by the police will impact this relationship.
