The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Emir Lamido Sanusi over the disturbance that occurred during the Sallah celebrations in Kano which led to the death of a security guard attached to his convoy.
Instead, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been directed to visit Kano to obtain his statement.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who explained that the decision to withdraw the invitation was taken following consultations with stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) commitment to depoliticizing law enforcement actions.
“To ensure that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn,” the statement read.
“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.”
The invitation had initially been issued to allow Alhaji Sanusi to provide his version of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state, during which one person, Usman Sagiru, lost his life and several others were injured.
According to the police, credible intelligence before the Sallah Day indicated that both Ado Bayero and Sanusi, currently at the centre of a dispute over the Kano Emirship, were planning to hold separate Durbar festivals.
To prevent possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, deployed DIG Abubakar Sadiq to mediate between the parties.
The meeting resulted in an agreement that neither party would hold a Durbar or ride horses on Sallah Day.
However, the police said that despite attending Eid prayers in a car, Alhaji Sanusi later mounted a horse in procession, accompanied by local vigilantes.
The procession allegedly sparked a confrontation with youths, leading to the tragic incident.
“The situation, which the Force had earlier warned against, was precisely what the IGP sought to prevent through earlier dialogue and intervention,” the statement noted.
The police said arrests have already been made in connection with the incident, adding that the investigation will continue with utmost professionalism and impartiality.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism. All individuals found culpable will be brought to justice,” Adejobi assured.
He emphasized that the Force’s actions are guided solely by justice, neutrality, and professionalism.
