Peter Obi Reacts As Police IG Withdraws Invite To Emir Sanusi Over Death During Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations

The Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for the timely decision to withdraw the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Naijaonpoint reports that the police had summoned Emir Sanusi over the violence that erupted during the recent Eid-el-Fitr procession in Kano, which resulted in the death of a local vigilante member.

However, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reversed Sanusi’s invitation to appear for interrogation in Abuja.

Egbetokun ordered the Kano State Police Command to gather the monarch’s statement concerning the incident within the State.

The IGP issued the order in a statement on Sunday, signed by the police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stating that the withdrawal was done based on the advice of well-meaning Nigerians and the need to avoid any attempt to politicize the issue.

In a post via 𝕏 on Monday, April 7, 2025, Peter Obi stated that the invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

Supporting Egbetokun’s decision to withdraw the invite, Peter Obi cited the presence of a fully functional police command in Kano, which has sufficient capacity to address such matters within the state.

He said, “I would like to commend the Nigeria Police Force for the wise and timely decision it took to withdraw the invitation extended to His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II. In light of the current tensions within our society, such an invitation was unnecessary and could have further heightened an already inflamed situation.

“There is a fully functional police command in Kano, with sufficient capacity to address such matters within the State. That is precisely why we have senior-ranking officers, including Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), to handle issues of this nature appropriately at the state and zonal levels.

“Once again, I appreciate the decision to withdraw the invitation. A decentralised approach would encourage peace and public trust.”