The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for calm and urged his supporters to remain peaceful following the siege on his palace by heavily armed police officers on Friday.
LEADERSHIP reports that armed police and DSS officers with armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surrounded the Kano Emir’s Palace at Kofar Kudu in Kano metropolis, restricting human and vehicular movements. The action disrupted a planned ceremony where the Emir was to turban Munir Sanusi as the newly appointed Wamban Kano and District Head of Bichi.
Several traditional rulers and titleholders, who had gathered to accompany the Emir to Bichi, were left stranded, with many later abandoning their vehicles and walking to the mosque for Friday congregational prayer. Security operatives reportedly withdrew after the prayers, but the reasons for the siege remained unclear.
Speaking during a sermon at the Juma’at Mosque, Emir Sanusi appealed for restraint, warning against actions that could lead to unrest. “I warn you against falling into the traps of the enemies of Kano, who want to set Kano on fire. They always want to witness killings, destruction of public property, and the maiming of innocent lives,” he said.
The Emir emphasised the virtues of patience and peaceful coexistence, stressing that Islam advocates calmness even in challenging situations. “If you are attacked, patience elevates you. Refusing to be patient creates uncertainty and difficulties, leading to losses for everyone. That is why we urge anyone who loves and supports us to always shun violence, no matter the circumstances,” he added.
The Kano State government also reacted to the incident, with Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, condemning it as a “calculated attempt to incite unrest in the state.”
He revealed that inquiries indicated the action was “on orders from above.” He dismissed rumours of potential unrest in Bichi if Emir Sanusi had attended the planned ceremony, describing the district as peaceful and highlighting the new District Head’s ties to the community.
