IGP Withdraws Alhaji Sanusi Invitation Orders FID Operatives to Obtain Statement
The Nigeria Police Force has officially withdrawn its earlier invitation to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the violent incident that marred the 2025 Sallah celebration in Kano State.
Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been dispatched to the state on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to obtain his statement.
The move comes amid heightened public sensitivity surrounding the conflict between the two disputed Emirs of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, both of whom were reported to have planned separate Durbar Festivals—a revered tradition where the Emir leads a horse procession through the city—despite ongoing tensions.
According to the Police, credible intelligence prior to Sallah Day on March 30 had indicated potential unrest, prompting the IGP to deploy the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to broker peace between the factions and the Kano State Government. An agreement was reached that no Durbar procession would be held by either faction to maintain public order.
However, despite this understanding, Alhaji Aminu Sanusi, who arrived the Eid ground by car, later mounted a horse and led a procession accompanied by local vigilantes. This defiance reportedly incited tension and triggered a confrontation involving angry youths, ultimately resulting in the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru and leaving several others injured.
The Force stated that it had initially invited Alhaji Sanusi for questioning to explain his role in the incident but has since withdrawn the invitation following the counsel of respected stakeholders and in a bid to avoid misinterpretation or politicization of the matter.
“The Inspector-General of Police remains committed to a policing approach that is professional, neutral, and guided by justice,” said ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer. “Operatives of the FID have now been instructed to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement in Kano as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The Nigeria Police also confirmed that arrests have already been made in connection to the violence, and assured the public that all those found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
The Force reiterated that its intervention is driven purely by its mandate to uphold peace and justice, with no political or ethnic bias.
Societal Concerns Media will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as investigations unfold.
