By Crystal Ugoeze
The Sokoto Correctional Centre has rapidly transformed into a pilgrimage ground of sorts as prominent Nigerians continue to troop in to visit the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Since his transfer to the facility, the centre has hosted governors, clergy, legal representatives, and family members—turning the once-quiet prison yard into an unlikely national convergence point.
One of the earliest high-profile visitors was the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Oji, Enugu State, Right Rev. Ikechukwu Egbuonu, who arrived shortly after Kanu was moved to Sokoto. His visit would mark the beginning of an unending stream of notable figures making their way to the far-northern state.
Over the weekend, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, led a delegation to the correctional centre, praising both the Sokoto government and the people for what he described as “exceptional hospitality” extended to Kanu.
Speaking after the meeting, Otti said the team was leaving Sokoto with “deep appreciation.”
“We are going back with memories that Sokoto is a land of hospitality, and we are happy to see our brother, our son, Nnamdi Mazi Kanu, who has also become a son to me by reason of circumstances,” he said.
The governor commended officials for the “humane manner” in which Kanu is being treated.
“We are happy that you people are taking care of him, and I pray that God will continue to bless Sokoto State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the good brotherhood and for the love we have for each other,” Otti added.
On November 27, Kanu’s legal team and family members also arrived in Sokoto for a scheduled visit. His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, accompanied by Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, and his wife, confirmed their presence in the state via a Facebook post, urging Igbo people to remain steadfast in their support for ongoing efforts to secure Kanu’s release.
Their trip came shortly after members of the South-East Caucus in the House of Representatives wrote to President Bola Tinubu seeking a presidential pardon for the detained separatist leader.
Kanu was convicted on November 20 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on seven counts bordering on terrorism. The charges were tied to his long-standing separatist campaign, which the court said sought to dismember parts of Nigeria.
The IPOB leader had previously faced a 15-count charge, including treasonable felony and conspiracy. After securing bail in 2017, he fled the country following a military raid on his family home. He was later traced to Kenya and extradited to Nigeria in 2021.
Throughout his trial, Kanu was held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). However, following his conviction and sentencing to life imprisonment, he was formally transferred last week to the Sokoto Correctional Centre—a move that instantly turned the facility into a national focal point.
Since then, the correctional centre has witnessed a steady stream of political, religious, and community leaders arriving to show solidarity, pray with him, or simply check on his well-being—effectively turning Sokoto Prison into a symbolic Mecca for supporters and sympathizers.