The Nigeria Police Force has made a strategic reversal regarding its earlier invitation to Alhaji Lamido Sanusi over the unrest that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.
The decision to withdraw the invitation followed extensive consultations and concerns over potential misinterpretation of police actions as politically motivated.
Initially, the Police had invited Alhaji Sanusi to provide his statement regarding the post-Eid procession which escalated into violence, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.
However, in a bid to maintain neutrality and avoid inflaming public sentiment, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has now directed operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to travel to Kano and obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement on the ground.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Sunday indicated that the development underscored the IGP’s resolve to ensure that policing actions remain apolitical, impartial, and guided strictly by professionalism and justice.
According to the statement, prior to the incident, the Police had obtained credible intelligence that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State – Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi – planned to host separate Durbar Festivals, a culturally significant event involving horseback processions.
To avert possible clashes, the IGP dispatched the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the North West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, mni, to broker peace. An agreement was reached with both parties and the Kano State Government that no Durbar would be held and that neither Emir would ride horses during Sallah.
Despite this understanding, Alhaji Sanusi proceeded to mount a horse after attending Eid prayers in his vehicle, accompanied by local vigilantes. This act triggered tensions that escalated into violence, despite earlier warnings by the Police about the risk of such actions.
While some arrests have already been made in connection with the incident, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to a thorough and impartial investigation. The decision to withdraw the invitation and instead obtain a statement from Alhaji Sanusi in Kano reflects the Force’s sensitivity to public perception and its unwavering adherence to principles of fairness and professionalism.