KANO — The Northern Women Lawyers Congress (NWLC) has issued a stern warning to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, demanding that he comply with a directive from the Nigerian Police to submit a formal statement regarding the deadly violence that erupted during the controversial Sallah Durbar celebration in Kano.
The group, led by its chairperson, Barrister Nafisa Abba, made the demand public in a statement released on Sunday. According to Abba, the NWLC expects the emir to fully cooperate with police investigations into the violent clashes that occurred despite an official ban on the event.
“We are calling on the Emir to respect the law and respect the police as an institution by cooperating to tender that statement as instructed by the IGP,” she said, referencing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Police ban ignored, lives lost at Durbar celebration
The Sallah Durbar, a traditional Muslim celebration held during the Eid festivities, was prohibited by the Nigerian Police this year due to heightened security concerns. However, the event still went ahead in Kano, reportedly under the coordination of the emirate council, and quickly devolved into chaos. Multiple casualties were reported as violent clashes broke out during the procession.
In response, national and state security agencies launched an investigation to determine the causes of the violence and identify those responsible for defying the police order. As part of the probe, authorities requested a formal statement from Emir Sanusi, who presided over the Durbar.
His silence so far has drawn criticism from various civic groups, with the NWLC being the most vocal yet.
No one is above the law, lawyers insist
The NWLC emphasized that no individual, regardless of social or cultural status, should be exempt from accountability under Nigerian law. Abba made it clear that the group’s call was rooted in constitutional principles, not political affiliations.
“Just because you’re an Emir, that doesn’t mean you are above the law,” she said. “You’re not a governor or president. Talk less of talking about immunity.”
She argued that the office of a traditional ruler, while culturally significant, does not place the occupant beyond legal scrutiny. The group insisted that Emir Sanusi must be treated as any other citizen in a criminal inquiry, especially where lives have been lost.
Mass protests threatened if Emir fails to comply
Abba went further, warning that if the emir fails to issue the required statement, the NWLC will mobilize women lawyers across the region to stage protests in Kano.
“We will ensure that he tenders that statement or we mobilise our members to protest on the streets of Kano,” she said.
The threat marks an unusual escalation in what is becoming a contentious standoff between the traditional institution and the rule of law. Legal experts suggest the issue may evolve into a broader test of how modern governance and traditional leadership coexist in Nigeria’s plural system.
NWLC denies political motivation, reiterates legal duty
In her statement, Abba was quick to distance the Congress from any political agenda, asserting that their intervention was guided strictly by a commitment to justice and the rule of law.
“As a concerned Congress of women lawyers in the North, we have engaged in many development works, including pro bono cases for rape victims. The recent one was calling on the government of Edo State to ensure justice for the victims of the Uromo killings,” she noted.
The NWLC is recognized for its advocacy work in legal reform, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations across northern Nigeria. Their credibility, Abba said, is rooted in years of transparent and lawful activism.
Transparency versus anonymity: A challenge to Emir’s defenders
In a direct challenge to those defending the emir, Abba questioned why many of them were reluctant to identify themselves publicly.
“I’m emphasizing that we are not faceless. We are a registered organization recognized by law. As the Chairperson, I’m a member of the Kano Bar. Go and check the record,” she declared.
She urged critics of the NWLC to engage with the facts rather than resorting to character attacks or anonymous commentary. According to Abba, transparency and accountability must be mutual in any public discourse involving the rule of law.
Emir Sanusi yet to respond
As of press time, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has not made any public comment regarding the police request for a statement. Efforts to reach his media office for clarification were unsuccessful.
The emir, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is known for his outspoken views on governance, justice, and social reform. His return to the throne after years of political exile has re-ignited public debate on the limits of traditional power and its place in a constitutional democracy.
Observers say his silence on the Durbar violence could further complicate perceptions of impunity and selective justice, especially in a region long plagued by insecurity and political volatility.
Kano’s delicate balance between tradition and law
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Kano, where traditional authority still wields significant cultural influence but must operate within the framework of modern law enforcement. The state government, the police, and the emirate council have all faced criticism for their handling of public order during the Sallah festivities.
Legal analysts suggest that this case may become a litmus test for Nigeria’s evolving democratic order—whether laws apply uniformly across status lines or remain subject to selective interpretation.
For the NWLC, the path forward is clear: Emir Sanusi must comply with the law or face civic action.
“We have no vendetta,” Abba concluded. “We simply want justice for the victims and respect for the institutions that protect our society.”
