The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to the Force headquarters in Abuja over the stabbing to death of one of his personal guards.
Chronicle NG reports that the guard was stabbed to death on March 30, 2025, at Kofar Mata Eid Ground during the last Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Several others sustained injuries in the gruesome attack, which marred the celebration.
According to a letter of invitation which was signed by Commissioner of Police Olajide Ibitoye, on behalf of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Sanusi is expected to appear before FID on April 8, 2025.
However, the police boss has ordered the withdrawal of the invitation to the Kano monarch.
This was announced in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the withdrawal of the invitation comes after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The Police IG has instead directed that the ” 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”.
The police statement reads, ”The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.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 recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in the 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 horseback on Sallah day.
”Despite this agreement, Alhaji 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 an invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.
”The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”
