He didn’t want to go – Man demands justice over son’s death during Kano Durbar

Muhammadu Rabiu, father of the late Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante who was stabbed to death while accompanying the entourage of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II after Eid prayers, has called for justice and compensation from the Kano State Government and the Kano Emirate Council.

In an exclusive interview with SolaceBase on Tuesday, the grieving father recounted the tragic sequence of events that led to his son's death on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Surajo, aged 26 and the fourth of twelve children, was a member of the Vigilante Group in Jaba Community, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

According to Muhammadu Rabiu, his son had initially decided against attending the Eid prayer to focus on his electrical repair business. However, he changed his mind approximately 20 minutes later, put on his vigilante uniform, and left for the prayer ground. Hours later, his family received the devastating news of his death.

“On Eid day, before the incident occurred, Surajo was getting ready, as usual, to attend the Eid prayer. As a member of the vigilante group in our community, he was often invited to join security forces during public events to help provide security,”; Muhammadu Rabiu explained.

He described Surajo as a loyal and hardworking young man known for his dedication to his duties and his electrical repair business.

“Surajo was a good son, always obedient to my wishes and instructions. Everyone who knew him can attest to his good character and respect for others. He never associated with undesirable individuals,”; the bereaved father said.

The family is demanding a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred during the entourage of Emir Sanusi Lamido II, despite a police ban on Durbar-related activities for security reasons. The attack claimed the life of Surajo Rabiu and left another individual, Aminu Suleman from Kofar Mata Quarters, injured and currently receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital.

“We are calling on the Kano State Government and the Kano Emirate Council to thoroughly investigate this matter, deliver justice, and provide compensation for his death. He was serving as a security officer, protecting lives and property, and he died while on duty,”; Muhammadu Rabiu appealed.

He also indicated plans to engage the leadership of the Vigilante Group to determine what actions would be taken on behalf of his deceased son.

The Kano State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of two suspects, Usman Sagiru and Nasir Idris, in connection with the incident. A Special Investigation Panel (SIP) has been constituted by the Kano State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, to probe the incident and ensure that justice is served.