Sallah Day Violence: IGP Withdrawals Emir Sanusi’s Invitation

The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to 16th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.

The invitation was initially issued to enable Emir Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.

‘’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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn,’’ the statement said.

‘’Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Emir Sanusi’s statement.

‘’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, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, 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