The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has paid a visit to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

The visit was disclosed on Thursday by Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who commended the cleric for the gesture, describing it as a show of solidarity during a difficult period.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Ejimakor wrote:

“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, and that of the Sokoto Diocese, with #MNK in this time of distress.”

Nnamdi Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was transferred the following day to the Sokoto Custodial Centre, in compliance with a court order that excluded his detention at Kuje Prison, where he was previously held.

His detention in Sokoto has since triggered legal challenges, with his legal team filing motions seeking his transfer back to Abuja. They argue that the distance limits his ability to consult with lawyers, access court documents, and adequately prepare for his appeal.

Kanu faced seven counts brought by the Federal Government, including allegations of incitement and unlawful broadcasts. Justice James Omotosho convicted him on all counts and ordered that he be detained in any correctional facility other than Kuje Prison.

The defence team maintains that Nigeria lacked jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu for broadcasts allegedly made from the United Kingdom, describing the trial as rushed and procedurally flawed.

In late November, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu also paid separate visits to Kanu at the Sokoto facility.