Follow Us on Google
Directs detectives to proceed to Kano to obtain his statement
From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Police has withdrawn its earlier invitation to the 16th Emir of Kano, Mohammad Sanusi, to appear before it Abuja tomorrow in connection with the incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the withdrawal of the invitation was sequel to advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions were not politised or misinterpreted.
The statement acknowledged that the invitation was initially issued to enable Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state during the festival.
The statement added that in the face of the new development,”operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.”
The statement recalled that “prior to the Sallah Day Celebrations, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.
“The Durbar Festival is a long held tradition which involves a recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.”
Other News
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 none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse 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. A situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier 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” the statement held.
“All individuals found culpable will at the end be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.
“The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism” the statement said.
