SSS Releases Sanusi's Passport

The State Security Services, SSS, has released the passport of Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, which was seized in May 2014 at the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. This is coming few days after the Emir and President Goodluck Jonathan held a closed-door reconciliation meeting in Abuja.

Both men had had disagreements some months ago when Sanusi, then as a governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, accused the Federal Government of diverting about $20 million. The government denied the allegation and Sanusi was subsequently removed as CBN governor by Jonathan on allegation of financial recklessness.

Sanusi was about travelling to Turkey before making another trip to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj when his passport was seized by the SSS.

Addressing newsmen in Kano, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso on Chieftaincy and Emirate Council Affairs, Tijjani Mailafiya, explained that the Emir’s passport was returned via the director in charge of the Kano State Command of SSS, Bassey Itang.

Mailafiya, who hailed the FG for releasing the Emir’s passport, pointed out that the monarch will now be able to carry out his traditional obligations with ease. He further thanked the state government for ensuring that peace was restored between the President and the Emir.