The Kano State Police Command has banned all Kano Sallah Durbar celebrations ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori announced the ban while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters, citing security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest.
According to CP Bakori, intelligence reports indicated plans by certain groups to disrupt the Kano Durbar festivities and create instability. After consulting with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders, the police command deemed it necessary to prohibit the event.
“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.
“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”
The police commissioner urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated praying grounds and adhere to security guidelines, including: Avoid carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion. No horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving. Parents and guardians should caution their children against involvement in any disruptive activities.
In addition, He encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the police via emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926 or through the NPF Rescue Me application.
Ban Tied to Kano Emirate Tussle
Newly reinstated Emir Sanusi II and the deposed Emir Bayero had expressed intentions to hold the 2025 Kano Sallah Durbar celebrations, raising concerns about potential conflicts which made the police swoop in.
This is not the first time such a ban would be put in place as in June 2024, the police prohibited Durbar festivities ahead of the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations. This decision followed the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019 by the state assembly, which led to the dethronement of five emirs installed in 2020 and the reinstatement of Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.
