On Sunday, Abia State Governor Alex Otti — accompanied by officials from the Sokoto State government — paid a visit to Nnamdi Kanu, the jailed leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
Kanu was convicted on 20 November 2025 by a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges and handed a life sentence, along with additional terms for other counts. Hours after the conviction, he was transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja to Sokoto prison — a move that sparked concerns from his legal team, family, and supporters.
Governor Otti had previously vowed to work toward securing Kanu’s release, describing as activated a “strategy” intended to obtain his freedom. During the prison visit, supporters say the governor reaffirmed his commitment to that goal, prompting many to view the visit as a political gesture as much as an act of solidarity.
However, the relocation to Sokoto has drawn sharp criticism. Kanu’s personal physician warned that the sudden transfer given his medical condition could pose serious health risks. Also, legal experts have warned that placing him far from Abuja may impair his ability to file an appeal — a right guaranteed under the constitution — because Sokoto’s distance makes access by his lawyers and family difficult.
The visit by Otti and Sokoto officials, coming only days after Kanu’s sentencing and transfer, has stirred fresh controversy. Many see it as an attempt to reposition the narrative — while critics argue it underscores the delicate political and regional tensions that remain over the Biafra agitation issue. Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor any developments, including government reactions, legal filings, and responses from civil-society and regional actors.