The Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has commended the Nigeria Police Force for the withdrawal of the invitation extended to His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, describing it as a wise and timely decision.
Obi, who gave the commendation on Monday via his X account highlighted that such an invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.
The two-term governor of Anambra State noted that there is a fully functional police command in Kano, with sufficient capacity to address such matters within the State. Stressing that, that is precisely why there are senior-ranking officers, including Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), to handle issues of this nature appropriately at the state and zonal levels.
Obi appreciated the decision to withdraw the invitation and reiterated that a decentralised approach would encourage peace and public trust.
Precise Post recalls that the Nigeria Police Force yesterday, announced the withdrawal of its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
The withdrawal came against the backdrop of advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted. Therefore, the IGP directed that the invitation be withdrawn and instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) were mandated to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.
Further recall that prior to the Sallah Day celebration, 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 recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.
To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 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, 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
To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi.
