Police withdraws invitation to Emir Sanusi, orders FID to obtain his statement in Kano

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its invitation to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding an incident during the recent Sallah celebration in Kano.

The invitation was initially issued to gather information about the events that led to a breakdown in law and order.

However, following advice from stakeholders, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, decided to withdraw the invitation to avoid any misinterpretation. Instead, the Force Intelligence Department will proceed to Kano to obtain the Emir’s statement.

This was made known in a statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

“We are committed to ensuring that our policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted,” said the Force spokesperson.

The police aim to maintain professionalism and neutrality in their investigations, with several arrests already made in connection with the incident.

Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals. The Durbar Festival is a long held tradition which involves a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.

To forestall possible violence, Egbetokun, 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 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.

However, Adejobi, underscored that the police actions are guided by principles of justice and professionalism.

He wrote, “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 at the end be brought to justice.

“To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting an invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.

“The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”