Even though he did not sustain any injuries in yesterday’s attack by gunmen, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, this afternoon jetted out to London for medical check-up.

A report by Channels TV said he made the trip along with two of his injured sons and some aides. They left the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, around 1:15 p.m. in a private jet, according to the report.

Another report said “the Emir left his palace amidst tight security to the VIP wing of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport” to board the flight.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command says the death toll in yesterday’s attack on the emir’s convoy has risen to five even as three arrests have been made. Spokesman of the command, Magaji Majie, said that the Interim Chairman of Kura Local Government Area, Salisu Abdulahi Kura, and his driver, who left the convoy in the confusion that followed the attack were trailed by the gunmen in a cab and killed in a nearby street.

It would be recalled that Alhaji Ado Bayero’s convoy was targeted in the Masallacin Murtala area of Kano metropolis, North-West Nigeria, on his way back to his palace after attending a Quranic recitation competition.

News Express reports that it has become the vogue for rich Nigerians to travel abroad for medical check-up or for treatment – even for ailments that can be easily treated locally – thus bleeding the country’s already troubled economy.

•Photo: Ado Bayero.