Tech glitch interrupts royal moment as drone accidentally falls near Emir Sanusi in Kano
What was meant to be a ceremonial display of Sallah homage took an unexpected turn on Sunday when a drone accidentally crashed near Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II during his speech at the Kano Government House.
The incident, which occurred during the traditional Hawan Nasarawa event, was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, igniting a flurry of speculation. Initial online reactions falsely suggested the Emir had been stoned — a claim later debunked by eyewitnesses and the drone operator himself.
The drone’s operator, Salim Ameenu, issued a public apology on Monday, clarifying that the incident was purely accidental and stemmed from technical failure.
“Due to a low battery, I lost control of the drone, and unfortunately, it fell near His Royal Highness,” he said in a statement. “I deeply regret the incident and wish to extend my sincerest apologies. What struck me most was the Emir’s composure — he simply glanced at the drone and continued his speech with grace.”
Observers have lauded Emir Sanusi for maintaining calm and proceeding unshaken despite the unexpected disruption, which many saw as a display of dignified leadership under pressure.
The episode comes amid a tense political backdrop in Kano, where two emirs — Sanusi and Aminu Ado Bayero — currently occupy separate palaces due to a recent reinstatement and ongoing legal dispute. While some tried to link the drone incident to this power struggle, authorities and those present at the scene confirmed it was merely a technical malfunction, not a targeted act.
In a city currently witnessing a symbolic tug-of-war over its royal seat, Sunday’s drone mishap served as a reminder that not every dramatic moment is political — sometimes, it’s just a case of technology faltering at the worst time.
