The Kano State Police Command has appealed to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, to suspend a planned horse-riding procession to Yakasai, citing concerns over public safety and the need to maintain peace in the state.
The appeal was made by the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, during a courtesy visit to the Emir at his Nasarawa palace.
The visit followed the formal notification by Emir Bayero of his intention to embark on the horse-riding procession on Thursday to attend a Qur’anic graduation ceremony.
Bakori commended the monarch for what he described as his respect for the law and compliance with directives issued by security authorities.
The Commissioner explained that security agencies require organisers of public horse-riding or Durbar-related activities to provide at least 72 hours’ written notice to enable adequate security assessment and deployment.
He said that, although the Emir had formally notified the police, the security agencies were appealing for the procession to be cancelled altogether in the interest of peace and public safety.
The issue is particularly sensitive in Kano, where the emirship dispute involving Emir Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II has remained a major source of political and traditional tension.
Police have previously reiterated that the state’s restrictions on Durbar and horse-riding activities remain in force, warning that anyone who violates the directive could face arrest and prosecution.
The police command has maintained that the restrictions are intended to prevent activities capable of undermining public order.
The emirship dispute has also previously placed security agencies on heightened alert, with rival supporters linked to the two royal camps involved in confrontations and public disagreements.
Against that backdrop, the proposed procession has attracted particular attention, with authorities seeking to prevent any development that could reignite tensions.
The police appeal therefore comes not simply as an administrative request but against the backdrop of Kano’s prolonged traditional and political dispute.
For the security authorities, the immediate priority is to prevent a public gathering from becoming a trigger for renewed confrontation.