Bishop Hassan Kukah Visits Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Correctional Centre

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

The visit was disclosed on Thursday by human rights activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who praised the cleric for the gesture. Sowore described the visit as a show of solidarity by Bishop Kukah and the Sokoto Diocese with Kanu during what he called a period of distress.

Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted on terrorism-related charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025. Following the judgment, he was transferred to the Sokoto Custodial Centre on November 21 in compliance with a court order that specifically excluded his detention at Kuje Prison, where he had previously been held.

Kanu was found guilty on seven counts bordering on terrorism, including incitement and unlawful broadcasts, all brought against him by the Federal Government. Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court delivered the ruling and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Since his transfer to Sokoto, Kanu’s legal team has filed motions seeking his relocation back to Abuja, arguing that the distance has made it difficult for him to consult with his lawyers, access court documents, and adequately prepare for his appeal. His lawyers have also maintained that Nigeria lacked jurisdiction to try him for broadcasts allegedly made from the United Kingdom, describing the trial as rushed and fundamentally flawed.

Kanu’s detention in Sokoto has continued to attract high-profile visits. In late November, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu also visited him at the correctional facility.