Sallah Tragedy: Police Summon Emir Sanusi Over Deadly Eid Attack in Kano

Sallah Tragedy: Police Summon Emir Sanusi Over Deadly Eid Attack in Kano

The Nigerian Police Force has launched an investigation into the deadly violence that marred the Sallah celebration in Kano, summoning Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II for questioning.

According to a letter dated April 4, 2025, and signed by CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (Operations), the invitation was issued on the orders of the Inspector General of Police. Emir Sanusi is expected to appear before the Force Intelligence Department, located opposite the Police Headquarters in Area 11, Abuja, by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8.

“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.

Your availability is highly sought for a purposeful investigation,” the invitation letter emphasised.

Two suspects—20-year-old Usman Sagiru and 35-year-old Nasir Idris—have already been arrested in connection to the attack that targeted vigilante members accompanying Emir Sanusi after the Eid prayer on March 30 at around 12:40 p.m.

The Kano State Command also invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, for interrogation over alleged defiance of the Durbar ban imposed during the festivities.

Sanusi had led the Eid prayers attended by Governor Abba Yusuf and other top officials at the Kofar Mata Eid ground, followed by a traditional homage visit to the Government House.

“While dispersing from the Eid praying ground, Usman Sagiru and others, who are now at large, allegedly stabbed Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi Jaba Quarters who later died from injuries.

Another vigilante member, Aminu Suleman, who was among those providing shield for Emir Sanusi, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital Kano,” said SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Police Public Relations Officer, Kano Command.

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In response to the violence, Kano Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, set up a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) tasked with uncovering the immediate and remote causes of the attack, as well as any violations of the state’s security directives—particularly the ban on Durbar and horse-riding during Sallah.

The police have reiterated that defiance of the Durbar ban or involvement in any form of public disorder, including street thuggery, would be met with legal consequences.

Reports has gathered that Emir Sanusi, who remains in a tense standoff over the Kano emirship with Aminu Ado Bayero, will answer questions related to the violence and potential breach of security directives.