Eid-el-Fitr 2025: Kano Residents Speak Amid Police's Sudden Ban on Sallah Durbar
- The Kano state police command, in a surprising move, announced a total ban on all Durbar activities during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, citing intelligence reports of potential security threats
- The Durbar, a colorful horse-riding festival, has long been a key part of Kano’s Sallah celebrations, but since the emirate crisis of 2024, the event has become politically charged
- Though residents were advised to observe Eid prayers at designated prayer grounds and avoid actions such as horse riding (Kilisa), car-racing, among others, the ban has sparked varied reactions among Kano residents
Legit.ng correspondent Usman Bello Balarabe has over 7 years of experience covering politics and governance in Nigeria.
Kano, Kano state - The Kano police command banned all Sallah Durbar celebrations across the state ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
Legit.ng reports that many Nigerians celebrated Eid-el-Fitr on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Some citizens would celebrate theirs on Monday, March 31.
Source: Facebook
The commissioner of police (CP), Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed the sudden ban recently during a press briefing at the Bompai police headquarters. He stated that the decision was made after consultations with the state government and security stakeholders to prevent possible violence.
Bakori said:
“Credible intelligence indicates plans by miscreants and their sponsors to disrupt public peace under the guise of Durbar activities. To avoid chaos, the government and security agencies have agreed to suspend all such events."
The ban came days after the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, called off plans to hold a parallel Durbar event.
Legit.ng had earlier reported that Bayero, who was removed from office in 2024, had initially mobilised supporters for a rival procession, raising fears of a clash with loyalists of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. However, following pressure from security agencies and traditional leaders, Bayero announced the suspension of his Durbar plans, citing the need for peace.
Though residents have been advised to observe Eid prayers at designated prayer grounds and avoid reckless behaviors such as horse riding (Kilisa), car-racing, among others, the ban has sparked varied reactions among Kano residents.
Source: Facebook
Mallam Auwalu Haruna, a trader in Kano Line Motor Park, supported the decision, saying:
“Security comes first. If the government or Police says no Durbar to prevent trouble, we should obey.”
Another resident, Alto Musa, a tricycle operator from Gwale, expressed disappointment.
He told Legit.ng:
“Durbar is part of our tradition. Banning it takes away the joy of Sallah. It is the only thing now left for us to enjoy during the sallah period especially with the cost of living.”
However, Yusuf Adamu, a commercial motorist, questioned the timing noting this could be a federal order.
“Why now? The government should deal with troublemakers instead of canceling our culture. When I watched the broadcast of Aminu Ado Bayero where he said he cancelled his plan for a parallel durbar, I knew something was coming. I sensed the federal government has a different plan, and here it is.”
Kano: Legal perspective to ban on Sallah Durbar
On her part, a legal practitioner in Kano, Aisha Garba Yakasai, said the development signifies a breakdown of justice and democracy.
Her words:
“The deprivation of individuals of their traditional rights due to political motives or manipulation signifies a breakdown of justice and democracy. This is a breach of the fundamental rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Section 40 guarantees a right to peaceful assembly. Additionally, section 38 recognises the right to freely practice one’s religion or culture."
Furthermore, she explained that banning Durbar activities is an action that seeks to limit a deeply-rooted tradition of the ancient city of Kano state.
Read more Eid-el-Fitr 2025-related news:
- Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu hosts Wike, FCT delegation
- Eid-el-Fitr 2025: University of Ibadan chief imam sends key message to Muslims
- Eid-el-Fitr 2025: Economic hardship dampens Sallah spirit as high costs hit Kano
Kano moves to reclaim encroached motor parks
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Kano ministry of land and physical planning announced plans to recover all motor parks owned by Kano Line that have been encroached upon by individuals, and corporate organisations across the state.
The move is part of efforts to revive the state-owned transport company and restore its operations.
Alhaji Abduljabbar Mohammad Umar, the commissioner for land and physical planning, made the announcement during a courtesy visit by the acting managing director of Kano Line, Alhaji Sa’idu Abdullahi Shuaibu, and members of the Kano Line revival committee.
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Source: Legit.ng
Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.
Usman Bello Balarabe (Kano Correspondent) Usman Bello Balarabe is a journalist, media strategist, and university lecturer in Kano. He worked as an investigative journalist with Daily Trust Newspaper Nigeria. His career is passionately geared towards stimulating social justice, exposing corruption, ensuring good governance and accountability. In his over 7 years of journalism practice, he has authored investigations and numerous special and beat reports at the intersection of environment, health, education, agriculture, public spending, security, and politics.
