The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the recent invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, by the Nigeria Police Force. The group described the move as suspicious, given that the matter in question is already under investigation by the Kano State Police Command.
In a statement released on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the group highlighted the contents of the invitation letter dated April 4, 2025. The letter, signed by Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (OPS), on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Department, requested the Emir’s presence at Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The letter stated that the invitation was in relation to an incident that occurred during the recent Sallah celebration in Kano.
Commissioner Ibitoye explained in the letter, “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.”
The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria expressed surprise and disbelief at the invitation, noting that the only known incident during the Sallah celebration was an attack on the Emir’s entourage. The attack, which occurred along Kofar Wambai after the Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground, was declared an assassination attempt on Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Following the attack, the Kano State Police Command announced the arrest of Sagiru Usman, a 20-year-old resident of Sharifai Quarters, as one of the suspected attackers. The incident led to the tragic death of Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi in Jaba area of Kano. Additionally, the Kano Police Command launched an investigation and invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Isyaku Wada, the Emir’s chief guard, for questioning over the security breach.
The Assembly questioned the rationale behind the Police High Command in Abuja intervening in a matter already being handled by the Kano State Police Command. “It is confusing and unimaginable that despite the ongoing investigation by the Kano State Command of the Nigeria Police, the Police High Command in Abuja extended an invitation to the Emir in connection to the same matter. This is curious,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the authority of the Police to summon any Nigerian regardless of status, the Assembly expressed suspicion over the timing and motive behind the invitation. The group pointed to lingering disputes over the Kano Emirate throne, suggesting that the invitation might be influenced by individuals seeking to destabilize the region.
“We are of the view that this invitation to Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Police High Command is an affront on our revered traditional institution, whose custodian and identity is the Emir. We call on the Police to refrain from being used by selfish individuals whose known trade is causing trouble and destabilizing Kano,” the statement added.
Despite earlier concerns about potential security threats during the Sallah celebration, the occasion concluded peacefully. However, the Assembly warned that the Police invitation could provoke unrest among the Emir’s subjects, who hold him in high esteem. “Such an invitation can be seen as desecration of the revered institution and is therefore reprehensible,” the group concluded.
The statement was signed by Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa, National Coordinator of the Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria.
