BISHOP KUKAH VISITS IPOB LEADER, NNAMDI KANU IN SOKOTO PRISON

Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, has visited the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto correctional facility.

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, disclosed this today. He hailed the Catholic cleric for the visitation.

Kanu was on November 20, 2025, convicted of terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja and sentenced to life imprisonment.

He was subsequently moved to the Sokoto Correctional Centre on November 21, 2026, in line with a court ruling that excluded Kuje Prison.

Kanu faced seven counts of terrorism-related offenses brought by the Federal Government, including incitement and unlawful broadcasts.

Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court convicted him on all counts and imposed a life sentence.

The judgment ordered Kanu’s detention in Sokoto Correctional Centre.

Meanwhile, Kanu has filed motions insisting that his incarceration in Sokoto hinders his ability to prepare his appeal, access court records, and interact with his legal team.

Giving more insights on the matter, Kanu’s lawyer, Dr. Maxwell Opara wrote on his verified Facebook page: “I have not experienced any form of detention or abduction. Of course, one cannot engage in this kind of struggle without facing one or two instances of intimidation. However, we have chosen to prioritize our current activities and temporarily suspend public engagements. My main objective is to update you on important developments concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and related matters.

“I have been in Sokoto for days now, and candidly, the frequent travel to and from Sokoto has been challenging, but it remains manageable.

“Let me first clarify the issue concerning the case involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu that was struck out by the Court of Appeal last week or thereabout. This case is unrelated to his conviction and sentencing. It arose from a legal action initiated in 2022 following the refusal of the Department of State Services to grant him access to his personal medical doctor. The appeal sought an order directing his transfer from DSS custody to a correctional facility where he could consult his doctor. When the matter came up last week, the court held that since Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is no longer in DSS custody, the case had been overtaken by events and was therefore struck out.

“The second issue relates to an application filed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu seeking his transfer from Sokoto to Abuja in order to pursue his appeal. You may recall that in the judgment, the presiding judge stated that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should be kept in protective custody in any custodial center in Nigeria, without specifying a particular facility. Unexpectedly, he was transferred to Sokoto. Upon inquiry from the Nigerian Correctional Service, we questioned whether Sokoto was more secure than Abuja. We were informed that after the judgment, the presiding judge issued a remand warrant directing that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu be detained in Sokoto. This directive prevented the correctional service from exercising its discretion in selecting the most suitable facility for his safety. As a result, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu filed a motion requesting the court to order his transfer back to Abuja.

“With respect to the appeal against the judgment, as earlier stated, several professionals and experts have voluntarily offered their services. All efforts are now focused on this appeal, which will be filed in due course.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu also sends his warm regards to everyone. He calls for continued prayers for his well being and assures you that despite the challenges, his resolve remains firm. His present circumstances have only strengthened his commitment to the struggle.

“As I was discussing with MNK this morning His Lordship Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese stormed into the prison with his entourage to visit MNK, he had a wonderful discussions with MNK and thereafter prayed for him.”