Kano clash: Police withdraw Sanusi’s invitation to Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn its earlier invitation of the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, over the clash which occurred during the Sallah celebration in Kano State on March 30, 2025.

The NPF had summoned Sanusi to appear at the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8.

A clash involving members of Sanusi’s entourage was said to have led to the death of a vigilante member, while others were injured during the Sallah celebration in Kano.

However, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, April 6, said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed that Sanusi’s invitation to Abuja be withdrawn.

Adejobi said the invitation was initially issued to enable Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in Kano 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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn. 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 stated.

He noted that prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State, Sanusi and Ado Bayero, were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.

Police summon Sanusi to Abuja over Kano clash

The Durbar Festival is a long-held tradition which involves a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in the company of his people.

The police spokesman added: “To forestall possible violence, the IGP 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.

“It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety, and none of the disputed Emirs would ride on horse on Sallah day.

“Despite this agreement, Alhaji Aminu 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.”

Adejobi stressed that the NPF remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism, including the investigation of the incident in Kano.

He said: “All individuals found culpable will in 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.”

The Star