Godsent Ogbebor
Police withdraw Sanusi’s invitation amid backlash, launch probe in Kano
The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its invitation to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, following widespread criticism over plans to question him regarding the March 30 Sallah incident in Kano that led to violence and one death.
Force PRO, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the decision was made after advice from respected stakeholders and to avoid any misinterpretation of police actions.
Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department will travel to Kano to obtain the Emir’s statement.
The initial invitation had directed the monarch to appear before police in Abuja over his role in a Durbar procession said to have defied an earlier peace agreement
Police said Sanusi’s horseback procession, accompanied by local vigilantes, led to a confrontation that resulted in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to others.
The police noted that both Emir Sanusi and Emir Ado Bayero had earlier agreed to cancel Durbar activities to maintain peace, but only Sanusi went ahead with a procession.
The move drew sharp criticism from prominent Nigerians and groups. Businessman Atedo Peterside slammed the invitation, calling it unnecessary harassment.
Read Also: Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment with NiYA Launch
Human rights lawyer Prof. Chidi Odinkalu warned that the police risked being used for political vendettas.
Groups such as the Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) and the Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria also condemned the invitation. They described it as an attack on traditional authority and a ploy to destabilise the region.
The NYA cautioned the police against any actions that might damage the credibility of northern traditional institutions, while accusing some political actors of exploiting the situation for personal gain.
“We have been watching the federal interference in the Kano emirship issue with concern. Using police to intimidate traditional leaders will not be tolerated,” said NYA’s spokesperson, Mohammed Hussaini.
Meanwhile, the police maintain that their investigation will continue. “All individuals found culpable will be brought to justice,” Adejobi stated, adding that arrests have already been made.
The Emir was initially scheduled to appear before the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja on April 8, but with the revised approach, officers will now meet him in Kano instead.
