The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn an earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Lamido Sanusi following the violent incident that disrupted the Sallah celebration in Kano State on March 30.
Instead, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to travel to Kano and obtain Sanusi’s statement in person.
The move comes after concerns were raised by stakeholders about the political implications of summoning the former emir to Abuja.
The IGP emphasized the need to avoid any actions that might be seen as politically motivated or misinterpreted by the public.
Prior to the Sallah festivities, the police had received credible intelligence suggesting that the two rival emirs in Kano — Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi — were preparing to stage separate Durbar processions, a traditional horse-riding festival.
To prevent unrest, the IGP dispatched Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Sadiq, to mediate between the factions. All parties, including the Kano State Government, reportedly agreed to cancel the Durbar and avoid public displays, including horse-riding.
However, after attending Eid prayers in a vehicle, Alhaji Sanusi allegedly mounted a horse and led a procession accompanied by local vigilantes.
This act sparked a violent reaction from a group of youths, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others — a scenario the police had hoped to avoid.
In response to the incident, arrests have already been made, and investigations are ongoing. The police stress that Alhaji Sanusi’s statement is vital to the inquiry.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the investigation would be handled with utmost professionalism, guided by principles of justice, neutrality, and accountability.
He reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice.