The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation to Alhaji Lamido Sanusi regarding the violent incident that occurred in Kano State during the March 30, 2025, Sallah celebration. The Force now says its operatives will instead visit Sanusi in Kano to obtain his statement.
According to a press release issued on Sunday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the invitation was initially meant to allow Sanusi to give his account of the events that triggered a breakdown of law and order during the festive celebration.
However, following consultations with key stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) resolve to ensure neutrality and avoid politicization of police actions, the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Force Intelligence Department (FID) operatives to take Sanusi’s statement in Kano.
“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to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn,” the statement said.
Tensions had risen after intelligence revealed that both disputed Emirs—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—were planning separate Durbar festivals, a traditional horseback procession through the city. To avert clashes, the police secured a mutual agreement from both parties to refrain from holding Durbar celebrations.
“Despite this agreement,” the police said, “Alhaji Sanusi, who had attended the Eid prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after the prayers, accompanied by local vigilantes. This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.”
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The Police condemned the breach of the agreement, stressing that efforts to forestall violence were undermined, resulting in loss of life and public unrest.
While some arrests have been made in connection to the incident, the Force reaffirmed that investigations will be carried out with “the highest level of professionalism,” promising that “all individuals found culpable will be brought to justice.”
The Force emphasized that its actions are guided solely by justice, neutrality, and professionalism.
The Police had earlier deployed the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North West, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, to mediate between the two claimants to the Kano Emirate throne and the state government prior to the Sallah event.