The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has condemned the recent ban on Sallah Durbar festivities across the four Kano Emirates, describing it as a violation of cultural and human rights protected under national and international law.
The Forum in an open letter signed by leader of the group, Barrister Usman Tudun-Wazirchi, to the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, of which a copy was made available to the Trumpet expressed gratitude to the police for maintaining relative peace during the Sallah period.
However, they criticized the decision to prohibit Durbar celebrations, calling it “a denial of cultural rights and historical expression of identity which is recognized under Nigerian law and international human rights conventions such as the African Charter and the ICCPR.
They also kicked against the police’s attempt to indict the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi for an attack staged on the palace guards where one of the vigilantes attached to the palace was killed.
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According to the letter, although the IGP’s invitation to Sanusi to appear at the force headquarters has been withdrawn, they would have resisted any attempt by the police to disrespect the traditional status of Hausa/ Fulani.
“We appreciate the proactive security efforts during Sallah. Yet, the blanket ban contradicted the cultural freedoms of the people, including their rights to religion, expression, and celebration of heritage.
The lawyers also argued that the ban could be politically motivated, warning against using security concerns as a pretext to suppress Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and others.
“This appears more like political victimization, especially when Durbar celebrations were allowed in more volatile regions.”
They however urged the security agencies to uphold cultural rights and ensure equitable treatment across Nigeria’s states, stressing that isolating Kano in such decisions undermines national unity and historical pride.
