The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
Former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore disclosed the visit on Thursday, commending the cleric for his show of solidarity.
“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,” Sowore 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, 2025, in accordance with a court directive that excluded Kuje Prison, where he had been held.
The conviction followed prosecution on seven terrorism‑related counts, including incitement and unlawful broadcasts, brought by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court delivered the ruling, convicting Kanu on all counts and imposing a life sentence.
Kanu’s detention in Sokoto has since sparked legal motions seeking his transfer back to Abuja to facilitate his appeal. His defence team insists that the distance hinders his ability to prepare appeals, access court records, and interact with his legal team.
They have also argued that Nigeria lacked jurisdiction to prosecute him for broadcasts made in the UK, describing the trial as rushed and flawed.
Under the judgment, Kanu was ordered to be detained in any correctional facility except Kuje Prison.
In late November, other notable figures, including Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, also visited Kanu in the custodial centre.