The Nigeria Police Force has made a strategic change in its approach to investigating the Kano Sallah incident, withdrawing a formal invitation to Alhaji Sanusi in favor of sending intelligence operatives directly to Kano. This adjustment reflects the Force’s commitment to balanced and depoliticized law enforcement while ensuring thorough investigation of the March incident that resulted in one death and multiple injuries.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2025

Contact:
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA

IGP DIRECTS FID OPERATIVES TO OBTAIN ALHAJI SANUSI’S STATEMENT IN KANO

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Nigeria Police Force has officially withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred during Sallah celebrations in Kano State on March 30, 2025. Following consultations with community stakeholders and in alignment with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to impartial policing, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID) will instead travel to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement at his location.

“This procedural adjustment ensures our investigative actions are not misinterpreted while maintaining the integrity of our fact-finding mission,” said IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM. “The decision reflects our responsiveness to community concerns while upholding our duty to thoroughly investigate the tragic events.”

Intelligence reports received by the Police prior to the Sallah celebration indicated that two disputed Emirs in Kano State—Alhaji Ado Bayero and Alhaji Lamido Sanusi—were planning separate Durbar Festivals, raising significant public safety concerns. The traditional Durbar celebration involves recognized Emirs riding on horseback throughout the city accompanied by followers.

In a proactive peacekeeping effort, IGP Egbetokun deployed DIG Abubakar Sadiq, the Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General for the North West and head of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, to facilitate dialogue among the disputing parties. These negotiations resulted in a mutual agreement that neither Emir would hold a Durbar Festival or ride horseback on Sallah day to preserve community peace.

Despite this agreement, reports indicate Alhaji Sanusi, after attending Eid Prayers in his vehicle, mounted a horse for a procession accompanied by local vigilantes. This action allegedly triggered confrontations with community youth, resulting in the death of Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.

The Nigeria Police Force has made several arrests in connection with the incident. The investigation continues with a focus on identifying all responsible parties through professional police work and impartial evidence collection.

“We remain committed to conducting this investigation with the highest standards of professionalism,” stated ACP Adejobi. “The Force’s actions are guided solely by principles of justice, neutrality, and our constitutional mandate to maintain public safety.”

The Police Force assures the public that all individuals found culpable in the incident will face appropriate legal consequences regardless of status or position.

The Nigeria Police Force’s procedural adjustment in this high-profile case demonstrates its institutional flexibility while maintaining investigative rigor. By sending officers to collect Alhaji Sanusi’s statement in Kano rather than requiring his appearance elsewhere, the Force balances respect for traditional leadership positions with the requirements of criminal investigation.

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This approach aligns with contemporary policing best practices that emphasize community sensitivity while upholding the rule of law. The Force continues to navigate the complex social dynamics present in the Kano emirate dispute while fulfilling its mandate to investigate serious criminal matters arising from the Sallah incident.

The withdrawal of the invitation letter to Alhaji Sanusi represents a tactical shift rather than an abandonment of the investigation into the tragic events of March 30, 2025. By adapting its approach while maintaining focus on fact-finding and justice, the Nigeria Police Force demonstrates its commitment to professional policing in complex sociopolitical environments.

The Force encourages public cooperation with investigators and reaffirms its dedication to transparent, unbiased policing that serves all Nigerians equally.