The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has approved the interrogation of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II in Kano over alleged violence.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued Sunday said the force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Sanusi.
He said: “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.
“However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicised or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.
“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.
“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two 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 recognised Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.”
Olumuyiwa explained that to forestall possible violence, 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.
He added that it was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs would ride on horse on Sallah day.
Olumuyiwa noted that despite this agreement, 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.
According to him, 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
