BREAKING: Police summon Emir Sanusi II to Abuja over Sallah violence

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially invited the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, for questioning in connection with the violence that broke out during the recent Eid-el-Fitr procession in Kano, which resulted in the death of a local vigilante member.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that the invitation followed a deadly incident that occurred on Eid Day as the Emir’s entourage moved from the Eid prayer ground to the palace in a traditional procession.

The clash, which marred the otherwise peaceful celebration, led to the tragic loss of life of a vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, and left one other injured.

The invitation was conveyed in an official letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by Commissioner of Police, CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Force Intelligence Department (FID) Abuja.

The letter reads: “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.”

The Emir has been requested to appear before the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, opposite the Police Headquarters, Area 11, by 10:00am on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

This development comes amid heightened tensions in Kano State following the earlier decision by the State Police Command to ban the annual Durbar festival due to security concerns. The ban, announced days before the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, was intended to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order during the festive period.

However, despite the suspension of the Durbar, a motorcade procession of Emir Sanusi II still took place on the third day of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The Kano State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, had also inaugurated an eight-member Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to investigate the violence.

As at the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Emir Sanusi II’s palace regarding the Police invitation.

Earlier, Diaspora Digital Media reported that the Kano State Police Command has officially banned all Durbar activities during the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, citing security concerns.

This decision comes as rival emirs, Muhammadu Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero, plan to hold parallel Durbar events, heightening fears of unrest in the state.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori confirmed the ban at a press briefing on Friday, stating that intelligence reports indicated possible chaos if the rival events were allowed to proceed.

“The police have banned all Durbar activities during the celebrations due to credible security information that miscreants have been recruited to cause chaos and unrest,” Bakori said.

He further warned against carrying objects that could escalate tensions and assured residents of heavy security deployment across the state.

The conflict stems from the emirship tussle between Sanusi, reinstated by the Kano State government in 2024, and Bayero, who was appointed after Sanusi’s initial dethronement in 2020.

Despite Sanusi’s reinstatement, Bayero has refused to relinquish his claim, operating from the Nasarawa mini-palace.

Earlier, Bayero had formally notified the police of his intention to hold a Durbar, framing it as a celebration of his fifth year on the throne.

However, with the police ban now in place, it remains unclear whether either emir will proceed with their plans.

The announcement has left Kano residents anxious, with many recalling past violent clashes linked to the emirship dispute.

The police have urged citizens to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities.

“Let us remember that peace is paramount. We must put aside our differences and work together for the progress of our state,” Bakori appealed.

The police have deployed additional personnel and issued operational directives to area commanders to ensure strict compliance with the ban.

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