Otti gave the assurance during a visit to Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, a trip confirmed Sunday night in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to remain calm and resolute as he intensifies ongoing engagements aimed at securing his release.

Otti gave the assurance during a visit to Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, a trip confirmed Sunday night in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

The governor, accompanied by 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, told the IPOB leader that the processes he initiated more than two years ago toward resolving the issue had been “heightened despite recent developments.”

According to the government statement, Otti encouraged Kanu to “remain calm but strong,” assuring him that the matter “will be resolved administratively” and that he would eventually regain his freedom.

The governor was also quoted as expressing satisfaction that the Sultan of Sokoto shared his stance on the need for Kanu’s release and the broader de-escalation of regional tensions.

Kanu, who was said to be in high spirits during the visit, reportedly expressed gratitude to Otti for the gesture.

He told the governor that his primary interest was good governance and any effort that would improve the well-being of the people.

He also prayed for God’s guidance for Otti and his team as they continue to serve the state.

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

SaharaReporters had reported on Sunday that Governor Otti, accompanied by officials from the Sokoto State government, visited Kanu, in prison.

Footage obtained by SaharaReporters showed a heavy security presence surrounding the prison facility during the visit.

On November 21, 2025, Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Within hours, he was transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Facility, a move that has generated controversy and concern.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered judgment in the long-running case against Kanu. The court found him guilty on seven terrorism-related counts brought by the Federal Government.

An Enugu High Court had in October 2023 nullified and voided the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization and awarded N8 billion against Defendants, South East Governors Forum and Federal Government, who were the first and second Defendants respectively in the case.