The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has recanted and withdrawn invitation letter for the Emir or Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II to appear at the Force headquarters in Abuja for interrogation on alleged breach of Sallah Durbar ban.

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CAPITAL POST reported on Saturday that the Emir of Kano was invited to the Force headquarters for allegedly leading a Durbar procession to the Government House to pay homage to Governor Abbas Yusuf against ban.

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Amid tension-soaked Kano, the was on Sunday withdrawn based on reported advice of stakeholders and prominent Kano indigenes.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, obtained in Abuja on Sunday by CAPITAL POST, Sanusi was to appear on Tuesday in Abuja, but has been redirected to appear in Kano to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

“Following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.

“Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.

“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals.

“The Durbar Festival is a long held tradition which involves a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.

“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq , to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in kano and the Kano State Government.

“It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse on Sallah day.

“Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi who had attended the Eid Prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid Prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes.

“This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured. A situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero

“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.

“All individuals found culpable will at the end be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi. The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.”

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In a vibrant show of unity, strength, and service, the Kogi State Police Command joined other commands across the country in commemorating the National Police Day with a 6-kilometer endurance trek. The fitness exercise, which was held on Saturday, was organized under the directive of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, PhD under the coordination of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 8, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, psc, and led by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc.

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The exercise began at the Kogi State Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja, with officers and men marching through designated routes across the State Capital before returning to Base. The trek, which covered a total of 6 kilometers to and fro, saw the active participation of officers from Zone 8, Lokoja, Kogi State Police Command, 37 PMF Lokoja, 70 PMF Kabba, 77 PMF Okene, SPU Base 8, Lokoja among others.

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In his remarks, CP Dantawaye praised the commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by the officers throughout the event. He emphasized the importance of physical fitness in the policing profession and encouraged officers to see exercises such as this as vital to their overall well-being.

He further stated that this is not just a symbolic act, but It represents our strength, resilience, discipline, and commitment to duty. Noting that physical fitness enhances our effectiveness in the field, while also strengthening our mental and spiritual health.

The CP further assured that such endurance activities will be encouraged regularly across the command to foster teamwork, build stamina, and boost morale among personnel.

The exercise, which was peaceful and well-coordinated, had no reports of casualties or health-related incidents. It was conducted under the supervision of senior officers and with support from medical teams and logistics units who ensured the safety and welfare of all participants.

The National Police Day celebration is aimed at honoring the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of Police Officers in maintaining law and order across the country. The endurance trek in Lokoja added a unique and commendable touch to this year’s maiden edition, showcasing the proactive and people-centered approach of the Kogi State Police Command.

Members of the public were also seen cheering and applauding the officers as they marched through various streets, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and strengthening community-police relations.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and community engagement in its ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security across Kogi State.

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As public outrage continue to trail the killing of travelers in Uromi, Edo State on Thursday 27th March, 2025, the Nigerian Police authorities in the State has announced the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the killing.

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The victims said, to be hunters were travelling to the Northern part of the country when mob swooped and killed them on suspicion that they are Fulani kidnapper.

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The Police said, they are 16 powers and all of them were killed.

The Spokesman for the Police Command, Moses Yamu said some persons have been arrested in connection with the attack.

“In the course of investigations, fourteen (14) suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, while an emergency meeting was convened with stakeholders and members of the community to address the situation,” Yamu said in a statement on Friday.

Narrating how the incident happened, the Edo Police Command said it occurred when a “truck with registration number KKF 225 XA coming from Port Harcourt, conveying 25 travellers from Elele, a suburb of Rivers State, was accosted by some vigilante group members at Uromi, and some of the travelers who found in possession of locally made dane guns were arrested”.

“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm of them being suspected kidnappers, which led some members and passersby in the community to attack and lynch sixteen (16) of the occupants while the truck conveying them was equally burnt.

“Police operatives attached to the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly stormed the scene where ten (10) of the travelers were rescued, two of whom sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital where they are currently positively responding to treatment.”

Yamu said a unit of Police Mobile Force personnel with other command tactical teams had been deployed to the area to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

The police said “investigations continue” over the incident and cautioned “against any form of reprisal attacks”.

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