In response to the Kano’s royal tussle which almost took another violent turn on Sunday as confrontation between supporters of Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero nearly turned deadly, police authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the violence.
Confirming the arrests, Kano police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said in a statement shared via WhatsApp, “Yes, the command has arrested four suspects, and they are now in police custody as the investigation is still ongoing.”
The arrests were made following orders from the state police commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, who set up a special panel to probe the rising unrest fueled by the lingering emirship dispute.
While the suspects’ identities remain undisclosed, Kiyawa said officers are continuing their efforts to get to the root of the conflict.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the tension flared up when Emir Bayero’s entourage was hindered by youths reportedly loyal to Emir Sanusi.
The convoy, returning from a condolence visit to the Dantata family, attempted to pass through a contested route leading to the main palace, sparking the confrontation.
The emirship crisis has gripped Kano since May when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reinstated Sanusi, reversing the appointment of Bayero and four other emirs.
The dual authority in the ancient city, each emir operating from different palaces, has deepened political divides and triggered repeated clashes among their followers.