Otti Reassures Nnamdi Kanu of Intensified Efforts for His Release

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has assured the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, that engagements toward securing his release have been intensified.

The governor gave the assurance during a visit to Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. The visit was confirmed on Sunday night through a statement issued by Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

Otti was accompanied by the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and senior officials of the Sokoto State Government. During the meeting, he told Kanu that the processes initiated over two years ago to resolve the matter had been “heightened despite recent developments.”

According to the statement, Otti encouraged Kanu to remain calm and strong, assuring him that the issue would be resolved through administrative channels and expressing confidence that he would eventually regain his freedom.

The governor also disclosed that the Sultan of Sokoto shares his views on the need for Kanu’s release and on easing rising regional tensions.

Kanu, who reportedly appeared in high spirits throughout the visit, expressed gratitude to Otti for the gesture. He emphasized that his primary concern remains good governance and any effort that improves the welfare of the people. He also offered prayers for God’s guidance upon Otti and his administration.

The Abia State Government noted that Kanu was “all smiles” during the meeting and appreciative of the renewed efforts to address his case.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Otti, accompanied by Sokoto State officials, visited the IPOB leader amid heavy security presence around the prison facility.

Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 21, 2025, on seven terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was transferred the same day from Department of State Services (DSS) custody in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Facility — a move that has stirred controversy.

The conviction was delivered by Justice James Omotosho in the long-running case filed by the Federal Government.

It will be recalled that in October 2023, an Enugu High Court nullified the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organisation and awarded N8 billion against the defendants — the South East Governors Forum and the Federal Government.