CSO Raises Alarm Over Police Invitation to Emir of Kano, Warns of Possible Unrest
The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria has expressed concern over the recent invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, by the police.
The group described the invitation as “suspicious,” noting that the matter under investigation is already being handled by the Kano State Police Command.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, National Coordinator, the group said it was shocked to learn of the invitation, dated April 4, 2025.
The letter, signed by Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (OPS) on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), stated that the Emir was invited for an “investigative meeting” regarding an incident that occurred during the recent Sallah celebration in Kano.
“I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain,” the letter read. The invitation further requested the Emir’s presence at the Force Headquarters, Area 11, by 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, for a “purposeful investigation.”
The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions questioned the necessity of the invitation, as the only known incident during the Sallah celebration involved an attack on the Emir’s entourage by miscreants on his way back to the palace from the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground.
The police had previously announced the arrest of Sagiru Usman, a 20-year-old from Sharifai Quarters, as one of the suspected attackers. The incident led to the death of Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi in Jaba area.
In addition, the Kano Police Command had already launched its own investigation into the attack and invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Isyaku Wada, the Emir’s Chief Guard, for questioning.
Given this ongoing investigation at the state level, the group expressed confusion and suspicion over the timing and purpose of the Abuja-based invitation to the Emir.
“The invitation to the Emir in connection with the same matter under investigation by the state command of the Police Force is curious and unimaginable,” said Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, National Coordinator of the Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions.
The group further emphasized that while they do not question the police’s authority to invite any Nigerian, regardless of their status, they raised concerns over the potential motivations behind the invitation, especially in light of ongoing disputes surrounding the Emir’s stool.
“We are of the view that this invitation to Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Police high command is an affront to our traditional institution, whose custodian and identity is the Emir. We call on the Police to refrain from being used by individuals whose known actions are destabilizing Kano,” the statement read.
The group also expressed concern that the invitation could provoke unrest, as the Emir is deeply respected by his subjects. “Such an invitation can be seen as desecration of the revered institution, and therefore, reprehensible to his subjects,” the statement added.
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