The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has commended the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, for respecting the law and complying with security directives by the Kano state police command on public horse-riding and Durbar activities in the state.
Bakori made the commendation on Wednesday shortly after paying a courtesy visit to Emir Bayero at his palace in Nasarawa, Kano, where he appealed to the monarch to suspend a planned horse-riding procession to Yakasai scheduled for Thursday.
The visit followed a formal notification reportedly submitted by Emir Bayero to security authorities indicating his intention to embark on the horse-riding procession to attend a Qur’anic graduation ceremony in Yakasai.
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The development comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding public horse-riding and Durbar activities in Kano following the state government’s restriction of such activities in the metropolis.
The Kano State Government announced the restriction on September 27 after an emergency meeting of the State Security Council, citing the need to prevent possible confrontation, preserve public order and protect lives and property.
The Police Command subsequently reiterated that the restriction remained binding on everyone, irrespective of status or position, while directing anyone intending to organise a public Durbar or horse-riding activity to submit at least 72 hours’ prior written notice to the Command for security assessment and necessary arrangements.
Speaking at the palace, CP Bakori said although security authorities had provided for prior notification of proposed public horse-riding activities, the present appeal was for the planned procession to be cancelled in the interest of peace and public safety.
He appealed to Emir Bayero to travel to the Qur’anic graduation ceremony by vehicle, as he had traditionally done, stressing that security agencies were concerned about preventing any development capable of creating tension or threatening public peace.
The Commissioner described Emir Bayero as a law-abiding traditional ruler who had consistently respected security directives and prioritised peace.
Bakori also appealed to Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan’agundi, Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Senior Councillor to the Emir of Kano, to continue supporting the monarch and encouraging cooperation with security authorities.
The Commissioner’s appeal comes against the backdrop of renewed tension over horse-riding activities involving the two rival Kano Emirate camps.
Earlier this month, security authorities warned that violations of the restriction could attract arrest and prosecution, while stressing that the security concerns that prompted the ban remained.
The Police Command has maintained that the restriction is intended to prevent activities that could lead to confrontation between rival supporters and threaten public safety.
Responding to the Commissioner’s visit, Emir Bayero thanked Bakori and his delegation for the courtesy call and assured them of his cooperation.
The monarch said the peace and stability of Kano remained a priority, assuring the security authorities that he would continue to support efforts aimed at maintaining public order.
The development is being viewed as an attempt to use dialogue and direct engagement with the traditional institution to prevent a potential escalation over the planned procession.
It also comes days after Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II was reported to have ridden on horseback to the Sani Abacha Stadium during Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebration despite the government’s restriction, prompting renewed debate over enforcement of the directive.
The incident subsequently generated reactions from the camp of Emir Bayero, with Aminu Babba Dan’agundi questioning what action would be taken over the reported breach and indicating that Bayero’s camp would await the monarch’s return before deciding on its own planned activities.
The latest intervention by CP Bakori therefore places emphasis on dialogue, compliance and preventive policing as security authorities seek to avoid further tension surrounding traditional activities in Kano.
The Police Command has repeatedly urged all individuals and institutions to comply with lawful security directives, regardless of status, while assuring residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the state.