The Kano State Police Command has denied receipt of a letter from the 15th Emir, Alhaji (Dr) Aminu Ado Bayero, seeking permission to organise Sallah durbar during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
But the palace confirmed the receipt of an acknowledgement letter from the police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Ahmed Umar Chuso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command.
According to the palace, the police acknowledgement letter, dated June 11, 2024, was addressed to the Private Secretary to the deposed emir.
Grassroots Parrot had reported how Bayero issued a letter inviting district heads for the annual durbar as part of events marking Sallah celebration on Tuesday.
The following day (yesterday), his palace said they had got assurance of police protection for the durbar.
An aide to the Kano Emirate Council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the police were served with the letter on the planned durbar and other Sallah festivities, as well as a request for special security arrangements for the events.
The letter, with the heading: “Letter of Appreciation and Request for Special Security Arrangements for Sallah Festivities in Kano,” dated 10th June 2024, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH, was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Bompai, Kano State.
“I am directed by His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero CFR, CNOL, JP, based on case Number FHC/KN/CS/182/2004 in which the court ordered that the status quo be maintained.
“I hereby write to convey his (Bayero’s) sincere gratitude for your contribution and facilitation of peace and stability in Kano State during the period of Emirate crisis. His Highness and the people of Kano are very grateful, indeed.
“Similarly, His Highness instructed me to request special security arrangements for the conduct of Sallah festivities in Kano, which commences on Sunday, 16th June 2024 to Thursday, 20th June 2024.
“All activities will emanate from Nassarawa mini palace in Kano,” the letter written by the Private Secretary to the deposed Emir added.
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However, the State Police Commissioner, Usaini Gumel, in a reaction to the matter through a text message to The PUNCH, on Wednesday, said the command had yet to receive the letter.
“The police have yet to be served neither do any of the security agencies in the state. Kindly extend the investigation to the purported kingmaker that signed the letter, as it could be a mere propaganda tool,” Gumel said in the text message.
Contrary to the police commissioner’s claim, in an acknowledgement letter sighted by The PUNCH, the police, however, invited the committee on durbar to come forward for a joint meeting.
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The letter was addressed to the Private Secretary of the deposed emir through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Ahmed Umar Chuso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command.
“While the command is looking into it (the letter), the durbar committee is hereby requested to come forward for a joint meeting and to conduct an assessment of the situation as it is the normal practice in all previous Sallah festivities.
“While awaiting your response, accept our esteem regards of the Commissioner of Police, please,” the acknowledgement letter read.
Punch