Kano Emirate: Sanusi, Police Lock Horns Over Eid-el-Kabir Durbar
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the police in Kano are at loggerheads over the Eid-el-Kabir durbar in the state.
The Kano State Police Command has reaffirmed a total ban on all durbar activities during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, just hours after the Emir directed all district heads under the Kano Emirate to assemble in Kano city ahead of the durbar.
Sanusi’s directive was shared in a letter issued by the Secretary of the Kano Emirate Council, Abba Yusuf Danmakwayon Kano.
According to the statement, the district heads and other members of the traditional council are expected to arrive with their horses and ceremonial riders on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, which is the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, 1446 AH.
“They are to pay homage to the Emir at the palace on Thursday, June 5, by 11 a.m.,” the letter stated.
The statement added that local council chairmen across the emirate had been asked to assist with transporting the traditional leaders from their locations to Kano for the event.
However, a statement by the police reiterated that the ban on durbar activities, first imposed during the last Eid-el-Fitr celebration, remained in full effect and would be strictly enforced during this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
“The command, therefore, reiterates that the ban on all forms of durbar in the state is still in force and will be strictly enforced during this 2025 Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, as the threats which have been put to serious checks are still potent.
“This decision is made after consultations with relevant security stakeholders following intelligence reports indicating plans by recruited miscreants and their sponsors to use durbar to undermine security and public order in the state, as recorded during Eid-El-Fitr Sallah”, the statement reads.
It directed all worshippers to adhere strictly to the following security measures throughout the period: no horse or animal riding (Kilisa), no car racing, no unlawful possession or display of firearms or weapons, and no carrying of suspicious or dangerous objects.
Parents and guardians were warned to prevent their children and wards from being used by “subversive elements,” while residents were urged to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any action that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.
