IGP withdraws invitation to Sanusi over eid killing

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation previously extended to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, in connection with an investigation into violence that occurred during the recent Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The police had invited the Emir to appear at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on April 8, 2025, over alleged killings involving members of a vigilance group said to be part of his entourage. The invitation was communicated in a letter dated April 4, signed by Commissioner of Police Olajide Ibitoye on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department.

The incident took place during the Eid prayer session held at the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground in Kano, which was presided over by Sanusi and attended by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and other top officials. The Kano police command had earlier banned durbar activities during the festivities and later confirmed that an eight-member panel was established to probe the reported killings.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 7, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the IGP decided to withdraw the invitation following advice from respected stakeholders. Instead, the police will now obtain the monarch’s statement in Kano through the Force Intelligence Department.

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism, including the investigation of this incident,” the statement read.

Adejobi noted that arrests had already been made in connection with the violence and reaffirmed the Force’s stance on neutrality and justice. “The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism,” he added.

He emphasized that anyone found culpable in the violence, regardless of status, would be brought to justice.

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