The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

Egbetokun, however, has instructed the force’s Kano State Command to get Sanusi’s account of the incident.

Through Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokeswoman, the police chief gave the order.

Due to an alleged murder that occurred during Kano’s Sallah celebrations last Sunday, the Emir was called in.

After Emir Sanusi got home from Eid prayers, the incident happened. He rode a horse back to the palace after walking to the Eid prayer ground.

Adejobi claims that several national stakeholders’ intervention resulted in the invitation being withdrawn.

Additionally, he said that the ruling was consistent with the police’s pledge to prevent politicization or misunderstanding of their operations.

The statement said: “In light of the regrettable incident that took place in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its previous invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi.”

The original purpose of the invitation was to give Alhaji Sanusi the opportunity to give his version of what transpired before the state’s law and order collapsed.

However, the IGP has ordered that the invitation be withdrawn in accordance with the counsel of esteemed stakeholders and in keeping with the Inspector-General of Police’s pledge to make sure that policing activities are neither politicized or misunderstood.

Instead, on the IGP’s orders, Force Intelligence Department (FID) agents have been ordered to travel to Kano in order to get Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.

“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two disputed Emirs in Kano State—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.

“The Durbar Festival is a long-held tradition involving a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city accompanied by his people.

“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West, who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, mni, to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in Kano and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety, and neither of the disputed Emirs would ride on horseback on Sallah day.

“Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi, who had attended the Eid prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes.

“This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured. This was a situation the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by sending emissaries to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero.

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism, including the investigation of this incident.

“All individuals found culpable will, in due course, be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made, prompting the invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.

“The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”