Durbar Celebration: Police Invite Emir Sanusi II to Abuja For Investigation Over Death of Vigilante Member, One Other Injured
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially invited the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, for questioning to Abuja, following the violence that erupted in the ancient city during the recent barred Eid-el-Fitr procession in Kano, which left a local vigilante member dead, and one other injured.
OTN News further reports that as gathered that the invitation was conveyed in an official letter dated April 4, 2025, and bears the signature of Commissioner of Police, CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Force Intelligence Department (FID) Abuja.
Furthermore, the invitation followed a deadly incident that occurred on Eid Day as the Emir’s escort allegedly moved from the Eid prayer ground to the palace in a traditional procession.
OTN News further gathered that the clash, which marred the otherwise peaceful celebration, led to the tragic loss of life of a vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, and left one other injured.
According to the letter, “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 invitation asked the Emir to appear before the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, opposite the Police Headquarters, Area 11, by 10:00am on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
OTN News observes that this development comes amid growing tensions in Kano State after the initial decision by the State Police Command to ban the annual Durbar festival over security concerns.
Furthermore, the ban, announced days before the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, was intended to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order during the festive period, OTN News further observes.
However, despite the suspension of the Durbar, a motorcade procession of Emir Sanusi II still took place on the third day of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
The Kano State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, had also inaugurated an eight-member Special Investigation Panel (SIP) to investigate the violence.
Meanwhile, there has been no official response from the Emir Sanusi II’s palace regarding the Police invitation.
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