Kano citizens claim IGP’s invitation to Emir Sanusi part of alleged plan to impose state of emergency

Following reports that the Nigeria Police Force has officially invited the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, to an investigative meeting over an incident that took place during the recent Sallah celebration, Kano residents have voiced strong opposition. They have characterized the move as a potential attempt to instigate a state of emergency in the state.

​Some citizens, who spoke on the arrest of 20-year-old Usman Sagiru on Sunday, March 30, 2025, by the Kano State Police Command in Sharifai Quarters, in connection with the alleged killing and attack on vigilante members during the Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II's entourage after Eid prayers, have stated that they cannot connect the incident to the Emir’s purported invitation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The invitation letter, dated April 4, 2025, and signed by CP Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (Operations), was issued under the directive of the Inspector General of Police. The letter requested Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to report to the Force Intelligence Department headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by 10 a.m.

However, residents of Kano view the invitation as yet another forceful attempt to remove the Emir and create serious unrest in the state, which they believe could lead to the imposition of a state of emergency.

“We caution against these new strategic moves to destabilize Kano and create an avenue for a state of emergency. We strongly reject this move,”; said the citizens, who spoke anonymously.

Another group, also requesting anonymity for security reasons, expressed concern, stating, “What happened on Sallah Day was not a Durbar, but simply the movement of the Emir from the mosque to his palace, which is normal for him to ride a horse, not walk.”;

They further warned the Inspector General of Police not to tamper with the peace of Kano, insisting that “inviting Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II on the flimsy excuse of violating directives will not be a welcome development.”;