Sanusi, Bayero face arrest threat as Kano tightens enforcement of durbar ban

Joint security agencies in Kano State have issued a warning to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, saying they could be arrested if their actions violate the state’s directive banning horse riding and durbar activities in public spaces.

The warning followed an emergency security meeting convened to review recent developments and assess potential threats to public order in the state. The development comes against the backdrop of the longstanding dispute over the Kano Emirate throne.

Addressing journalists on Friday, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said the executive order suspending horse riding and durbar activities remained in force and applied to everyone, irrespective of status.

Bakori said security agencies had observed recent activities that could undermine peace and order, stressing that further violations of the directive would not be tolerated.

He warned that individuals or groups who contravene the order would be arrested and prosecuted.

The latest security warning followed a royal procession involving Aminu Ado Bayero, during which public property, including political banners bearing the names of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was allegedly destroyed.

The development subsequently prompted the Kano State Government to impose the ban on horse riding and durbar processions, amid concerns that such gatherings could escalate tensions surrounding the emirate dispute.

The situation intensified further when Sanusi II rode a white horse on Thursday, leading hundreds of supporters to the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was present.

Sanusi’s appearance on horseback came despite the security directive, drawing a reaction from Bayero’s camp. A senior counsellor and Sarkin Dawakin Babban of Bayero subsequently threatened to stage a full durbar.

The rival claims surrounding the Kano throne have been a recurring source of tension since Sanusi was reinstated in 2024 following the dissolution of the emirates created under the previous administration. Bayero and his supporters have continued to challenge the developments through legal and political channels.

Speaking alongside the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abubakar Hussaini, Bakori said the joint security meeting had resolved to enforce strict compliance with the ban.

He said organisations or institutions intending to organise horse-riding activities or durbar processions in public places must provide the Kano State Police Command with at least 72 hours’ prior written notice.

The notification, he explained, must be submitted through the office of the Commissioner of Police to enable security authorities to conduct the necessary assessment and make appropriate deployment arrangements.

According to The Nation, the police said the measures were intended to prevent activities capable of disrupting public peace rather than target individuals based on their status.