Abuja, Nigeria – April 6, 2025
The Nigeria Police Force has officially summoned the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for questioning over a violent incident that erupted during the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Kano.
The disturbance, which occurred on March 30, 2025, at the Kofar Mata Eid Ground, led to the fatal stabbing of a palace guard and left several others injured. The clash reportedly stemmed from a controversial procession held in defiance of a police ban on the traditional Durbar festival.
In an official letter dated April 4 and signed by Commissioner of Police Olajide Rufus Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Emir Sanusi was invited to appear at the FID headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
The Kano State Police Command had previously announced a suspension of the annual Durbar festival, citing security threats. However, Emir Sanusi II’s motorcade reportedly moved through parts of the city on the third day of the Eid celebration, leading to confrontations between palace aides and rival factions. Among the casualties was a local vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, while another individual was seriously injured.
Following the incident, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, constituted an eight-member Special Investigation Panel to probe the matter. Also summoned for questioning was Alhaji Wada Isyaku, the Shamakin Kano and close aide to Emir Sanusi, over alleged defiance of the police directive.
As of press time, the Emir’s palace has not issued an official statement regarding the police summons or the incident.
The development adds a new layer of tension to the complex political and traditional landscape in Kano State, where rival royal factions have clashed in recent times.
