Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, led a high-level delegation to visit Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday.
The visit, which was accompanied by senior officials from the Sokoto State government, aimed to reassure Kanu that efforts toward securing his release are ongoing.
During the meeting, Governor Otti encouraged Kanu to stay strong, stating that discussions initiated over two years ago to secure his release have gained momentum.
Otti expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved administratively, and Kanu would regain his freedom soon.
Kanu, who was reportedly in high spirits, thanked the governor for the visit and commended his development efforts in Abia State.
He also praised Otti’s leadership, comparing his achievements to those of the late Dee Sam Mbakwe, a former governor of Imo State.
The governor’s visit comes after Kanu’s conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 21, 2025, for terrorism-related charges. Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on four counts and received 20 years and 5 years imprisonment on two other counts.
The court’s decision has sparked controversy, with Kanu’s lawyer and family members expressing concerns about his health and the sudden transfer to the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who reportedly shares Otti’s view on the need for dialogue, jokingly referred to Kanu as his “subject” and offered to turban him, which brought laughter to the IPOB leader.
This development highlights the growing support for Kanu’s release and the efforts being made to resolve the situation peacefully.
