Nigeria’s police have reversed a controversial summons issued to Muhammadu Sanusi, the Emir of Kano, following widespread public outcry and condemnation from traditional leaders and civil society groups.
Sanusi was called to appear at the national police headquarters in Abuja after clashes broke out during the Eid al-Fitr celebration in Kano, where he led a traditional horseback procession despite a police ban. The violence left one man dead.
The incident reignited tensions between Sanusi and his cousin, Aminu Ado Bayero, both of whom lay claim to the historic Kano emirate. Bayero, who was deposed last year, reportedly retains the support of the federal government, while Sanusi was reinstated by Kano state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The police’s move to summon Sanusi was widely seen as a sign of disrespect to the emirate—one of Nigeria’s oldest and most revered traditional institutions—sparking outrage across the country.
While traditional rulers in Nigeria hold no formal political power, they wield significant influence and are viewed as custodians of culture and religion.
In a statement, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police said the force had reconsidered its approach following interventions from “respected stakeholders” and would instead dispatch officers to Kano to take Sanusi’s statement locally.
The emir has yet to publicly comment on the matter.
Sanusi, a former central bank governor, was first removed from the throne in 2020 under former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. His return in 2024 has been met with legal challenges from Bayero’s supporters, who argue the dismissal was unlawful.
While Sanusi resides in the main palace, Bayero continues to occupy a smaller royal residence, highlighting the unresolved nature of the leadership dispute.