Police Summon Emir Sanusi II Over Kano Sallah Violence

Emir Sanusi II Called to Abuja Amid Kano Sallah Unrest

The Nigeria Police Force has summoned the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to appear for questioning in Abuja regarding a violent incident that occurred during the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano.

The summons, detailed in a letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by Commissioner of Police Olajide Rufus Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, requests Emir Sanusi to report to the Force Intelligence Department headquarters on April 8 at 10:00 AM.

The incident in question took place on March 30 at the Kofar Mata Eid Ground, where a member of the Emir’s security detail, a vigilante, was fatally stabbed, and several others sustained injuries. This violence marred the Eid procession as Emir Sanusi returned from prayers.

Prior to the celebrations, the Kano State Police Command had imposed a ban on the annual Durbar festival, citing security concerns. Despite this, a motorcade procession involving Emir Sanusi proceeded on the third day of Eid, which may have contributed to the ensuing violence.

In response to the incident, the Kano State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, established an eight-member Special Investigation Panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence. Additionally, the Emir’s aide, Wada Isyaku, known as Shamakin Kano, has been invited for interrogation regarding a possible violation of the police ban on the Durbar festival.