A civil society group – the Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria – has expressed reservations over a police invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the association described the move as “suspicious” and “ill-timed,” especially as investigations into the matter are already being handled by the Kano State Police Command.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, the group said it was taken aback by the letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by Commissioner of Police (Operations), Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department.
According to the letter, the Emir is expected to appear at the Force Headquarters, Area 11, Abuja, by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The invitation cited an “incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain” as the basis for the meeting.
“The directive came from the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department,” the letter read. “Your availability is highly sought for a purposeful investigation.”
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However, the civil society organization, in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, questioned the rationale behind the invitation.
Musa noted that the only reported incident during the Sallah celebration was an attack on the Emir’s entourage as he returned to the palace following Eid prayers at the Kofar Mata prayer ground, describing the attack as an assassination attempt, occurred along the Kofar Wambai route.
In the aftermath of the attack, police confirmed the arrest of one Sagiru Usman, a 20-year-old resident of Sharifai Quarters, in connection with the incident. The attack reportedly led to the death of Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi in Jaba area.
The Kano State Command had already launched a probe and invited Alhaji Isyaku Wada, the Shamakin Kano and Chief Guard of the Emir, for questioning regarding the security lapse.
“It is both confusing and concerning that while the state command is actively investigating the matter, the Force Headquarters in Abuja would suddenly intervene by summoning the Emir,” the Assembly stated. “This move raises more questions than answers.”
While acknowledging the authority of the police to invite any Nigerian, the group insisted the circumstances surrounding the invitation point to potential political interference, especially in light of the ongoing disputes surrounding the Kano Emirate.
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“We see this as a deliberate affront to the traditional institution and urge the Police Force to resist being used by individuals whose sole aim is to create instability in Kano,” said Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, National Coordinator of the Assembly.
Despite initial security warnings issued ahead of the Eid celebration, the festival proceeded peacefully, with residents conducting their activities without incident.
However, the group warned that the sudden invitation of the Emir—who commands deep respect among his people—could trigger unrest and be perceived as an act of disrespect toward the revered institution.