The Kano State Police Command has constituted an eight-man panel to investigate the alleged attack on the palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who announced this on Wednesday, said the panel has been mandated to uncover the root cause of the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure their arrest.
The move follows a petition by a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), which criticised the police command for its “deafening silence” over the palace invasion.
The CSOs alleged that the attack—carried out by supporters of the dethroned 15th Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero—led to the destruction of property, including two police operational vehicles, and the macheting of a palace guard.
In a joint statement, the eight CSOs expressed concern that the violent assault on the Kofar-Kudu palace could be part of a larger plot by unpatriotic elements to destabilise Kano.
The statement was signed by key civil society leaders including Mustapha Abdullahi (Kano Digital Media Rangers), Comrade Salisu Gambo (Youth Mobilisation by Media), Alhaji Suleiman Idris (Northern Youth Assembly), AbdulKadir Abubakar (One Voice Development Initiative), Aisha Mohammad Shetimma (Beyond Border Alliance), Barr. Badamasi Gandu (Kano First Forum), and Amb. Abbas Abdullahi (One Kano Agenda).
According to the CSOs, the attack occurred on Sunday evening when the convoy of Aminu Ado Bayero was returning from a condolence visit to the residence of the late business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata.
“It has come to the knowledge of the organisations that, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero abandoned the usual route to his residence at Mandawari and decided to intentionally pass through Kabara in front of the Kano Emir’s Palace, hence the attack on the palace by some elements who were allegedly linked to the dethroned emir’s entourage.
“Based on this attack, verifiable evidence of destruction at the Sanusi’s palace includes three vandalised Police Hilux Vehicles (NPF 182D), Mopol 9, Police Hilux Vehicle (NPF 195D), Mopol 52, Vandalisation of Property.
“Also vandalised are: a Motorcycle belonging to one Abdullahi Shehu (Police Officer); a Motorcycle belonging to one Ibrahim Isa (Security Marshal attached to the Emirate); the Emirate’s Main Iron Gate was severely vandalised; the Police Security Point at the Emir’s residence was shattered.
“Stolen security assets also include 1 Full Set of Police Camouflage Uniform; 1 Pair of Police Security Boots; 1 Bullet Magazine, which is an extremely dangerous item now unaccounted for.
“Individuals that sustained injuries were Maigoma Danagundi, currently hospitalised at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital; Yunusa Babba, who is injured (Security Marshal), and Special Constabulary Officer Murtala Muhammad, who sustained physical injuries.
“In light of the above and the interest of peace, security, and public order in Kano State, we humbly call on the police Kano command to commence immediate investigation into the attack and destruction of public property, and assault on law enforcement agents and civilians.
“Identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals responsible for leading and executing the attack; Recover all stolen police assets, especially the missing bullet magazine, which poses a serious security risk and ensure the safety and security of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and his residence through increased deployment of security personnel”, the statement read.
