The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has rescinded an earlier invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, over a fatal incident that occurred during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano.
Police had initially summoned the Emir to their headquarters in Abuja for questioning concerning the circumstances surrounding a violent clash that broke out during the celebration on March 30, 2025. The confrontation reportedly led to the death of one Usman Sagiru and left several others injured.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigeria Police Force announced the withdrawal of the invitation, citing guidance from “respected stakeholders” and the need to prevent the politicization or misinterpretation of police actions.
“The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025,” said Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
He added that the decision was made “in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted.”
Rather than require the Emir to appear in Abuja, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been directed to travel to Kano to obtain his statement.
“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,” Adejobi confirmed.
The police disclosed that prior to the Sallah celebration, intelligence reports had revealed that both of Kano’s disputed emirs—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—were planning separate Durbar festivals, a traditional horse-riding procession.
To prevent unrest, the IGP deployed DIG Abubakar Sadiq, who oversees the Force Criminal Investigation Department, to mediate discussions with the emirs and the Kano State Government. It was reportedly agreed that neither emir would hold a Durbar procession on Sallah Day.
Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi—who attended Eid prayers by car—allegedly mounted a horse afterward and proceeded in a procession accompanied by local vigilantes. This act allegedly provoked unrest among local youths, leading to the fatal confrontation.
According to the police, “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.”
The police emphasized their commitment to a thorough investigation and the pursuit of justice.
“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,” Adejobi said.
