Bishop Kukah Pays Visit to Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Correctional Centre

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has paid a visit to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

The visit was made public on Thursday by former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who described the gesture as a show of compassion and solidarity at a critical moment.

Sowore, in a post on his social media platform, thanked Bishop Kukah for taking the time to visit Kanu, noting that the visit symbolised the support of the Sokoto Diocese for the detained IPOB leader.

“Thank you so much, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for visiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu today. As the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, your presence represents your solidarity and that of the Sokoto Diocese with #MNK in this time of distress,” Sowore stated.

Kanu was on November 20, 2025, convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven terrorism-related charges, including incitement and unlawful broadcasting. The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Following the judgment, Kanu was transferred the next day to the Sokoto Correctional Centre in line with a court order directing that he be held in any correctional facility except Kuje Prison, where he had previously been detained.

Since his relocation, Kanu’s legal team has sought his transfer back to Abuja, arguing that his detention in Sokoto makes it difficult for him to adequately prepare for his appeal, access court records, and consult with his lawyers. The defence has also challenged Nigeria’s jurisdiction over some of the charges, particularly those linked to broadcasts allegedly made from the United Kingdom.

Kanu’s detention in Sokoto has drawn visits from several prominent figures. In late November, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, were also reported to have visited him at the correctional facility.

Bishop Kukah’s visit further underscores the growing attention surrounding Kanu’s conviction and the legal proceedings that follow.