A drone operator, Salim Ameenu, has clarified the dramatic incident that unfolded at the Government House in Kano when a drone unexpectedly fell on the head of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II while he was delivering a speech during a Sallah homage on Sunday.

The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked speculation and allegations that the emir was stoned. Contrary to initial claims suggesting the emir was hit with stones or another object, the truth behind the incident has now been revealed.

According to Ameenu, the incident occurred when the drone lost control due to a low battery and crashed “near the emir.” In a statement released on social media on Monday, the drone operator regretted the incident and apologised to the emir for the unpleasant event, noting that it was unintentional.

“On Sunday, I unintentionally flew my drone over His Royal Highness during his speech at Hawan Nasarawa. Due to a low battery, I lost control of the drone, and unfortunately, it fell near His Royal Highness.

“What happened has only strengthened my admiration for HRH’s composure and bravery. His Royal Highness simply glanced at the drone and continued his speech without hesitation, a true display of courage and grace under pressure,” he said.

The insinuation that the emir was stoned may not be unconnected with the fact that there are, at present, two parallel emirs in Kano: Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero.

Sanusi was dethroned by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who replaced him with Bayero. However, he was reinstated by the current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, a development that threw the state into turmoil and triggered a legal tussle between the two.

The two ‘emirs’ occupy separate palaces, with Sanusi in the main palace, while Aminu resides in the other palace in the Nassarawa area of the metropolis.