The Northern Women Lawyers Congress, NWLC, has warned Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to comply with the Nigerian Police directive and submit his statement regarding the deadly incident during the Sallah Durbar in Kano or face mass protests.
The Chairperson of the Congress, Barrister Nafisa Abba, issued the warning in a statement on Sunday, insisting that the Emir must respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police investigation, as instructed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
“We are calling on the Emir to respect the law and respect the police as an institution by cooperating to tender that statement as instructed by the IGP,”; Abba stated.
The police had earlier banned the Sallah Durbar, citing security concerns, but the event still took place, leading to violent clashes and loss of lives.
The Congress argued that no individual, regardless of status, should be above accountability.
“Just because you’re an Emir, that doesn’t mean you are above the law. You’re not a governor or president. Talk less of talking about immunity,”; Abba said.
She further declared that if Emir Sanusi fails to comply, the Congress will take to the streets in protest.
“We will ensure that he tenders that statement or we mobilise our members to protest on the street of Kano,”; she warned.
The Congress, known for its advocacy on justice and human rights, emphasized that its stance was not politically motivated but rooted in upholding the law.
“As a concerned Congress of women lawyers in the North, we have engaged in many development works, including pro bono cases for rape victims. The recent one was calling on the government of Edo State to ensure justice for the victims of the Uromo killings,”; she explained.
Abba also challenged those defending the Emir to reveal their identities, asserting that her organization operates transparently.
“I’m emphasizing that we are not faceless. We are a registered organization recognized by law. As the Chairperson, I’m a member of the Kano Bar. Go and check the record,”; she said.
