The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over a recent invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, by the Nigeria Police Force.
The group described the move as suspicious and unnecessary, noting that the matter in question is already under investigation by the Kano State Police Command.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the Assembly, Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, and made available to DAILY POST.
According to the statement, the group referenced an invitation letter dated April 4, 2025, signed by Commissioner of Police (Operations), Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department. The letter requested the Emir's appearance at Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM in connection with an incident that occurred during the recent Sallah celebration in Kano.
“I have the directive of the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General, Force Intelligence Department (FID), to invite you for an investigative meeting regarding an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain,”; the letter reportedly read.
The Assembly, however, expressed shock at the invitation, emphasizing that the only known incident during the celebration was an attack on the Emir’s convoy. The attack, which occurred along Kofar Wambai shortly after the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata Eid Ground, was described as an assassination attempt on the Emir.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Kano State Police Command arrested Sagiru Usman, a 20-year-old resident of Sharifai Quarters, as one of the suspected assailants. The incident also resulted in the death of Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi in the Jaba area of Kano.
The state command subsequently launched an investigation and invited the Emir’s chief guard, Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Isyaku Wada, for questioning regarding the security breach.
The Assembly questioned the rationale behind the involvement of the Police High Command in Abuja in a case already under investigation by the Kano State Command. “It is confusing and unimaginable that despite the ongoing probe by the Kano Police, the Force Headquarters is summoning the Emir over the same issue. This development is highly suspicious,”; the group said.
While acknowledging the legal authority of the Police to summon any Nigerian, the Assembly expressed doubts over the timing and possible motivations behind the invitation. The group alluded to lingering disputes surrounding the Kano Emirate throne, suggesting that the action might be influenced by individuals seeking to destabilize the region.
“We consider this invitation to Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II as an affront to our revered traditional institution. The Emir is not only a custodian of our culture but also a symbol of our identity. We urge the Police not to allow themselves to be used by selfish elements whose goal is to cause unrest in Kano,”; the statement continued.
Although the Sallah celebration eventually passed peacefully despite earlier security concerns, the Assembly warned that the invitation could trigger tension among the Emir’s loyal subjects. “Such an action could be interpreted as an act of desecration against the traditional institution and is, therefore, highly condemnable,”; the group concluded.
