IGP Egbetokun Withdraws Invitation To Emir Sanusi To Report To Abuja
…Directs FID operatives to obtain statement in Kano The top hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, April 6, 2025, beat a tactical withdrawal by cancelling its earlier invitation extended to the 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Sanusi in connection with an incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
The invitation was initially issued and directed Emir Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
A statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, explained that following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.
ACP Adejobi said that instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated to proceed to Kano to obtain Emir Sanusi’s statement.
The statement said that prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State namely Alhaji Lamido Sanusi and the deposed emir by the State government, Alhaji Ado Bayero were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
The police noted that the Durbar Festival is a long held tradition which involves a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.
Adejobi further said that to forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, 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, to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in Kano and the Kano State Government.
According to Adejobi; “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,” he said.
The FPPRO said the Nigeria Police 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.
He said that all individuals found culpable will at the end be brought to justice, adding that some arrests have been made prompting the invitation to Emir Sanusi.
The police reiterated that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.
