Bishop Kukah Visits Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Correctional Centre

 Bishop Kukah Visits Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Correctional Centre The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has pa...

 Bishop Kukah Visits Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Correctional Centre

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

The visit which took place amid Kanu's ongoing incarceration, underscores Bishop Kukah's longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue, peace-building, and advocacy for justice in Nigeria's polarized socio-political landscape.

Kanu, who was transferred to the Sokoto facility shortly after being sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges by Justice James Kolawole Omotosho presided Federal High Court in Abuja, on November 2025, has received several high-profile visitors in recent weeks. These include Abia State Governor Alex Otti and another cleric, Rt. Rev. Ikechukwu Egbuonu of the Anglican Diocese of Oji River.

Sources familiar with the visit indicate that Bishop Kukah, known for his outspoken views on national issues, engaged Kanu in discussions aimed at promoting reconciliation and hope. While specific details of their conversation have not been publicly disclosed, the meeting aligns with Kukah's previous calls for dialogue in addressing agitations and conflicts in the country.

Bishop Kukah, who has served in Sokoto for years and is a prominent voice on governance and religious harmony, has historically urged for political solution to Biafra agitations, including that of IPOB.

This visit comes at a time when Kanu's detention in the far-north facility over 700 kilometers from Abuja—has sparked concerns from his supporters and legal team about access to counsel and family, as well as his ability to pursue appeals effectively.

No official statement has been released by the Sokoto Catholic Diocese or Kanu's representatives regarding the encounter, but it highlights the role of religious leaders in bridging divides during periods of national tension.

Kanu's case continues to draw attentions, with ongoing efforts reportedly underway for a political resolution despite the court's verdict.

Family Writers Press International, reporting.