A drone unexpectedly fell on Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s head while he was delivering a speech at the Government House in Kano on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The incident occurred during the Sallah homage the emir paid to the state government.
The drone operator, Salim Ameenu, explained that the drone lost control due to a low battery and crashed near the emir. He issued a public apology, describing the event as unintentional and praising the emir’s composure in continuing his speech despite the mishap.
Contrary to initial rumors that the emir was stoned, eyewitness accounts and the operator’s statement confirm it was a drone accident. The confusion is likely connected to the ongoing rivalry between two parallel emirs in Kano, Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero, who currently occupy separate palaces amid legal and political disputes.
Emir Sanusi, who was reinstated by the current governor after being dethroned, showed remarkable calmness, simply glancing at the drone before continuing his address.
