Human rights lawyers decry ban on Kano Sallah Durbar

The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has condemned the recent ban on Sallah Durbar festivities across the four Kano Emirates, arguing that it violates cultural and human rights protected under both national and international law.

After submitting an open letter to the Commissioner of Police for the Kano State Command, the leader of the group, Barrister Usman Imam Tudun Wazirchi, expressed appreciation for the police’s efforts in maintaining relative peace during the Sallah period.

But, they criticized the decision to prohibit Durbar celebrations, calling it “a denial of cultural rights and historical expression of identity.

They also kicked against the police attempt to indict Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi for an attack staged on the palace guards where one of the vigilantes attached to the palace was killed.

However, Tudun Wazirchi said though the IGP’s invitation to Sanusi to appear at the force headquarters has been withdrawn, he said the indigenous lawyers will resist any attempt by the police to disrespect the traditional status of Hausa/ Fulani.

“We appreciate the proactive security efforts during Sallah. Yet, the blanket ban contradicted the cultural freedoms of the people, including their rights to religion, expression, and celebration of heritage,” said Mal. Usman Imam Tudun Wazirchi Esq, who signed the letter on behalf of the group.

The lawyers argued that the ban ignored the cultural significance of Durbar celebrations, which involve horse-riding processions and royal displays recognized under Nigerian law and international human rights conventions such as the African Charter and the ICCPR.

They further suggested the ban could be politically motivated, warning against using security concerns as a pretext to suppress Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and others.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups (CCKCSG) has expressed deep concern over the increasing politicization of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the ongoing Kano Emirate tussle.

Speaking while addressing journalists in Kano the Spokesman of the Coalition Comrade Nura Idris Ali condemned the disrespectful reference to the Emir of Kano, Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II, as “Alhaji Sanusi” by the police, an act that undermines the sanctity of one of Nigeria’s most ancient and revered traditional institutions.

The coalition demands an immediate public apology from the Nigeria Police Force for the affront to the Emir of Kano.

The police must address the Emir by his proper title, “Emir of Kano, Khalifah Muhammadu Sanusi II,” in all future engagements.

The coalition calls on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and all relevant authorities to ensure the neutrality of the police in the Kano Emirate tussle.

The Coalition explained that the Kano Emirate, a centuries-old institution with a rich history spanning over a millennium, is a symbol of cultural heritage, spiritual leadership, and communal unity.

“The recent actions of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the summons issued to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II on April 4, 2025, have raised serious questions about the impartiality and neutrality of the police in handling the Kano Emirate dispute.”

“The coalition’s call for police neutrality and respect for traditional institutions highlights the need for dialogue and reconciliation in resolving the Kano Emirate tussle.”

“The Nigeria Police Force must rise above political pressures and focus on its constitutional role of protecting lives and property without prejudice.”

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