Nigerian Human Rights Lawyer Petitions Tinubu Over Emir Sanusi’s Police Invitation

A Nigerian human rights lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani, has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, protesting the police invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, over events that took place during the recent Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Kano.

In his letter, Dantani described the police summons as “politically motivated” and a deliberate attempt to intimidate the Emir. He warned that such actions not only disrespect the Emir personally but also threaten the traditional institution and the fragile peace in Kano and the wider northern region.

“It is deeply troubling that this invitation appears to be politically motivated rather than rooted in the interest of justice, fairness, or national security,” he wrote. “The actions of the Inspector General of Police in this case amount to a deliberate affront not only to the person of the Emir but also to the traditional institution as a whole.”

The controversy stems from the cancellation of the Durbah, a key cultural event traditionally held during Eid. Acting on a police security advisory, the Emir opted to attend the celebrations by car rather than the usual horseback procession. On the same day, an aide to the Emir died in an unrelated incident.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police reportedly investigated the death and found no link between it and the Emir’s decision to follow the advisory.

Despite these findings, the Inspector General of Police still summoned the Emir for questioning. Dantani argued this undermines the chain of command and signals an abuse of power.

“This amounts to harassment and undermines the peace-building role of traditional leaders,” he said. “Such actions could stir unnecessary tension, chaos, and even a breakdown of law and order in Kano State.”

Quoting Section 4 of the Police Act, Dantani reminded the authorities that the police are meant to maintain peace and order—not to serve political interests. “The conventional institution deserves to be protected, not ridiculed or undermined,” he added.

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