The Nigeria Police Force has retracted its invitation for the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to appear in Abuja for questioning regarding the violence that occurred during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano.
Instead, the police decided to send investigators to Kano to take his statement locally.
This decision came after rising concerns from prominent Nigerians, including Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and local residents in Kano.
There were fears that the invitation could exacerbate political tensions in the city, which are already high due to a longstanding Emirship dispute.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 6, Force spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had directed operatives from the Force Intelligence Department to travel to Kano for the interview. The decision was made to ensure that police actions remain unbiased and not politically charged.
According to ICIR, Sanusi had originally received a letter dated April 4, summoning him to the FID headquarters in Abuja on April 8. The letter, signed by CP Olajide Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of FID, requested his appearance in connection with violence involving members of his entourage following the Eid prayers at Kofar Mata.
Sanusi had led the Eid prayers, which were attended by Governor Abba Yusuf and other officials. However, violence broke out when the Emir mounted a horse while returning to the palace. The altercation resulted in the death of one vigilante and injuries to others. Among the victims, Surajo Rabiu, a local vigilante, was reportedly stabbed to death, while another individual, Aminu Suleman, sustained severe injuries.
The panel was tasked with investigating the immediate causes of the violence, as well as any defiance to the command’s ban on Durbar celebrations and horse riding during the Sallah festivities, which had been imposed for security reasons in the state.
In withdrawing the invitation to Sanusi, the police stated: “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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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 have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.”
The statement further emphasized that the NPF’s actions are guided by principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism. The police also noted that they had previously warned all parties involved in the Sallah celebrations about the potential risks of holding separate ceremonies. The violence, they stated, was avoidable, especially given credible intelligence suggesting that the two rival Emirs in Kano – Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi – were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
