The Incorporated Trustees of Kano First Forum have petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, over what the organisation describes as public utterances by Alh. Aminu Babba Dan Agundi that could heighten tension and threaten the peace in Kano State.
In the petition, the Forum called for a discreet, impartial and comprehensive investigation into statements allegedly made by Dan Agundi during a press briefing on 1 October 2026, following the participation of Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, in the Independence Day celebration.
The petition, filed through the Forum’s solicitors, stated that the press briefing centred, among other issues, on the reported use of a horse by the Emir during the celebration, despite an existing directive by the Kano State Government concerning the use of horses.
Of particular concern to the Forum was a statement attributed to Dan Agundi in which he allegedly told the people of Kano State to “await their return and await further directives from them.”
Kano First Forum said it considers the statement particularly sensitive given the longstanding disagreements surrounding the Kano Emirate, stressing that public statements capable of generating uncertainty or speculation should be treated with caution.
The organisation said its concern is not merely about political or traditional differences, but about the possible consequences of words spoken in an already delicate environment
According to the Forum, leaving the public to speculate about who would return, what such a return would mean and what “further directives” might entail could unnecessarily create fear, anxiety and tension among residents.
Kano First Forum said it decided to approach the police because of the need to prevent statements or actions that could potentially escalate existing tensions.
The organisation emphasised that its intervention should not be interpreted as an attempt to suppress legitimate disagreement, political expression or lawful criticism.
Rather, it said its objective is to ensure that disagreements surrounding the Kano Emirate are handled through lawful and peaceful channels without exposing ordinary residents to unnecessary tension or the risk of confrontation.
The Forum therefore urged the Kano State Police Command to carefully examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged statements, establish their context and determine whether they constitute any breach of the law or conduct capable of disturbing public peace.
It also called on political, traditional, religious and community leaders across the state to exercise restraint in their public communications, particularly when addressing issues connected to the Kano Emirate.
The Forum stressed that Kano is a commercially, socially and politically important state whose stability affects millions of people both within and beyond the state.
It therefore urged all stakeholders to place the safety of residents above personal, political or institutional interests.
“Whatever differences may exist concerning the Kano Emirate, they must be resolved through the courts and other lawful institutions, rather than through statements that could be interpreted as threats, directives or calls for confrontation,” the Forum stated in the petition.
Kano First Forum said it remains committed to the protection of peace, public safety and the rule of law, adding that its petition was submitted in the interest of preventing avoidable conflict and protecting lives and property.
The petition was addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command, with copies forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their attention.
The Forum has consequently appealed to the security agencies to independently assess the matter and take whatever lawful steps may be necessary to preserve peace and prevent any development that could threaten public order in Kano State.
