Zainab Ali
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, visited the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, expressing optimism that efforts toward securing his release would soon yield results.
The governor was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. Some officials of the Sokoto State Government were also present during the visit.
In a statement issued after the visit, Ekeoma said Otti encouraged Kanu to remain strong, noting that engagements he initiated more than two years ago towards resolving the matter had been intensified.
He quoted the governor as saying the issue would be resolved “administratively,” while expressing confidence that Kanu would soon regain his freedom.
According to the statement, Otti also informed Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto had shown support for a peaceful resolution of the matter. He added, jokingly, that the Sultan had remarked that Kanu was now his “subject” and would be turbaned — a comment that reportedly drew laughter from the IPOB leader.
Kanu, who was said to be in high spirits during the visit, thanked the governor for the gesture and commended the development strides recorded under his administration in Abia State. He urged Otti to continue prioritising good governance for the benefit of the people and also offered prayers for the governor and his team.