In a significant political move, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has personally visited the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at a prison facility in Sokoto State. The visit, which took place on 1 December 2025, underscores ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve one of Nigeria's most contentious security and political issues.
A High-Profile Delegation in Sokoto
Governor Otti was not alone during this crucial engagement. He was accompanied by a delegation that included 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. Officials from the Sokoto State Government were also present, facilitating the meeting at the secure location.
This visit is particularly notable as it comes just two weeks after a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Kanu of terrorism. Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, found him guilty on all seven counts and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court also imposed strict restrictions, including denying Kanu access to mobile devices and broadcasting equipment except under tight security supervision.
Otti's Message of Assurance and Sultan's Humour
According to a statement from the Governor's office, Otti encouraged Nnamdi Kanu to remain calm and strong despite the recent legal setback. He assured the IPOB leader that the discreet diplomatic engagements he initiated over two years ago have now been intensified.
"Governor Otti while discussing with Mazi Kanu during the visit encouraged him to remain strong, assuring that the engagements he started over two years ago, which the IPOB leader has been aware of, have been intensified in spite of what happened," the statement detailed.
Otti reiterated his belief that the path to a lasting solution lies in administrative and political channels, not prolonged confrontation. He further conveyed to Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, supports the need for de-escalating tensions surrounding the case.
In a lighter moment meant to ease the mood, Otti informed Kanu that the Sultan had jokingly remarked that since Kanu was now in Sokoto, he had become his subject and would be turbaned. This comment reportedly made the detained IPOB leader laugh loudly.
Renewed Push for a Political Solution
Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since his controversial arrest and extradition in 2021. His case has sparked widespread debate and calls for a diplomatic resolution from various quarters, including political leaders, civil society, and traditional rulers across the nation.
Governor Otti's latest visit is expected to re-ignite discussions on potential administrative options to address the underlying grievances fueling the agitation in Nigeria's South-East region. Before the conviction, Otti had publicly expressed optimism that Kanu would regain his freedom in the near future.
The Abia Governor's direct intervention highlights a persistent view among some stakeholders that a purely judicial approach may not fully address the complex socio-political dimensions of the IPOB issue. This visit signals a continued, high-level push for dialogue and a negotiated settlement to ease the persistent tensions in the region.
