The Nigeria Police Force has rescinded its invitation to Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, one of the two disputed Emirs of Kano, instead dispatching investigators to record his statement following violent clashes during the March 30 Sallah celebrations that left one dead and multiple injured.
The reversal came hours after the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced Sanusi’s summoning regarding his alleged violation of a peace agreement brokered by police authorities.
Credible intelligence had warned that both Sanusi and rival claimant Alhaji Ado Bayero planned separate Durbar festivals, a traditional horseback procession—raising fears of sectarian violence.
To prevent bloodshed, Deputy Inspector-General Abubakar Sadiq secured written commitments from both royal factions and the Kano State government to suspend all Durbar activities. However, Sanusi, who initially attended Eid prayers by vehicle, later mounted a horse alongside vigilantes, sparking youth unrest that culminated in the killing of Usman Sagiru.
“The Force Intelligence Department has now been directed to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s account in Kano,” the police stated, noting the withdrawal followed consultations with stakeholders to avoid politicization. The statement emphasised the police’s neutrality, confirming arrests had been made and vowing to prosecute all culpable parties.
Discussion about this post