IGP Withdraws Invitation To Emir Sanusi Over Death During Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn an earlier invitation sent to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, over a death that happened during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano.

The Emir was initially asked to appear at the police headquarters in Abuja on Friday for questioning regarding the incident that took place during the festivities.

However, on Sunday, the police issued an update saying the invitation had been withdrawn, explaining that the decision was made based on advice from respected figures and to avoid any public misunderstanding or political interpretation of the police’s actions.

The Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that instead of bringing the Emir to Abuja, officers from the Force Intelligence Department have now been directed to travel to Kano to take his statement.

Adejobi added that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found responsible for the incident will face legal consequences.

He also revealed that some arrests had already been made, which led to the initial plan to question the Emir.

The police stressed that their actions remain neutral and are guided by fairness, professionalism, and justice.

The statement read, “IGP DIRECTS FID OPERATIVES TO OBTAIN ALHAJI SANUSI’S STATEMENT IN KANO As NPF Withdraws Invitation Letter

“The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on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 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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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.

“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 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

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

KanyiDaily recalls that police had banned all Sallah Durbar festivities for the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano due to security concerns and the risk of potential disturbances.