CSO Raises Alarm Over Police Invitation to Emir of Kano
A civil society group, the Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria, has expressed concern over what it describes as a suspicious invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, by the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The group, in a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, said the police invitation, dated April 4, 2025, and signed by Commissioner of Police (Operations), Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, came as a surprise given that the matter referenced is already under investigation by the Kano State Police Command.
According to the statement, the Emir was invited in connection with an incident that occurred during the recent Sallah celebration. The letter from the Force Intelligence Department instructed the Emir to appear at the Force Headquarters in Abuja by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, for an “investigative meeting.”
The Assembly described the invitation as “curious,” particularly because the only known incident during the Eid celebration was an attack on the Emir’s convoy by suspected miscreants along Kofar Wambai as he returned from prayers at Kofar Mata Eid ground. The attack, which the group termed an assassination attempt, reportedly led to the death of a vigilante member, Surajo Rabiu, while one suspect, 20-year-old Sagiru Usman, was arrested.
The Kano State Police Command had already begun investigating the incident and had questioned the Emir’s chief guard, Alhaji Isyaku Wada, the Shamakin Kano, over the security breach.
The CSO questioned the rationale behind the Federal Police invitation, arguing that it appears to sideline the ongoing investigation at the state level. “This is confusing and unimaginable,” the group said, suggesting that the move might be politically motivated, especially in light of recent disputes surrounding the Kano Emirship.
While acknowledging the Police’s legal right to invite any citizen, the group warned against perceived interference in traditional institutions. “This invitation is an affront on our revered traditional institution,” the statement read, urging the police not to allow themselves to be used by individuals “hell-bent on destabilizing Kano.”
The group concluded by cautioning that the move could stir unrest, as the Emir is highly respected by his subjects. “Such an invitation can be seen as desecration of the revered institution,” the Assembly said, calling on the Police to tread carefully in handling matters concerning traditional leadership.
