Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, has visited Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, disclosed this on Thursday, commending the cleric for doing so.
“Thank you so much, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for taking the time to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu today. As the distinguished Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, your visitation symbolizes your solidarity & that of Sokoto Diocese with #MNK in this time of distress,” the human rights activist said.
Kanu was convicted on terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment.
He was subsequently transferred to the Sokoto Custodial Centre on November 21, in line with a court directive that excluded Kuje Prison.
His detention in Sokoto has since sparked legal motions seeking transfer back to Abuja to facilitate his appeal.
Kanu faced seven counts of terrorism-related offenses brought by the Federal Government, including incitement and unlawful broadcasts.
Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court delivered the ruling, convicting him on all counts and imposing a life sentence.
His defence team argues that Nigeria lacked jurisdiction to prosecute him for broadcasts made in the UK, describing the trial as rushed and flawed.
The judgment ordered Kanu’s detention in any correctional facility except Kuje Prison, where he had previously been held.
Kanu has filed motions insisting that the distance hinders his ability to prepare appeals, access court records, and interact with his legal team.
In late November, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, also visited the IPOB leader in prison.
Leave a Reply