The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially withdrawn its earlier invitation to Alhaji Sanusi, following the tragic events during the Sallah celebration in Kano on March 30, 2025.
The invitation was extended to allow Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the violence that erupted in the state, but it has now been rescinded under the direction of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
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According to a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, the decision to withdraw the invitation came after consultations with key stakeholders and in an effort to ensure the Police’s actions remain unbiased and free from political influence.
“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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn,” the statement reads.
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The incident that led to the invitation occurred when Alhaji Sanusi, who had attended the Eid prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse for a procession shortly after the prayers, despite prior agreements that no Durbar Festival would take place on Sallah Day.
This led to clashes with local youths, resulting in the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru and several others being injured.
The Nigeria Police had received credible intelligence prior to the celebration indicating that both Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi were planning separate Durbar Festivals, a longstanding tradition in Kano.
To prevent any violence, IGP Egbetokun deployed DIG Abubakar Sadiq, who engaged in discussions with both Emirs and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar would take place to maintain peace and public safety.
Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi’s decision to proceed with the procession sparked tensions, which escalated into the violence that claimed a life.
In response, the IGP directed the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to travel to Kano and obtain a statement from Alhaji Sanusi regarding the incident.
“The Inspector-General of Police remains resolute in the commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism,” the statement emphasized.