Abia State Governor Alex Otti visited the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, expressing firm belief in an impending administrative resolution to secure his release.
Accompanied by Kanu’s brother Emmanuel, Abia Attorney General Ikechukwu Uwanna and media adviser Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti spent time with the activist, who has been held since his 2021 arrest on charges of treasonable felony.
The governor, speaking after the meeting, highlighted ongoing high-level efforts spanning more than two years to address Kanu’s case peacefully.
“We have intensified engagements that I initiated over two years ago,” Otti said, adding that the matter would be settled “administratively” to allow Kanu to resume his life outside detention.
Otti recounted sharing an anecdote with Kanu about a recent discussion with the Sultan of Sokoto, who has voiced support for a non-confrontational outcome.
“I told him the Sultan said he is now his subject and would soon be turbaned,” Otti quipped, noting that the remark elicited laughter from Kanu, who appeared in good spirits during the encounter.
Kanu, for his part, praised Otti’s leadership in Abia, telling the governor: “I am proud of the development strides in Abia State and urge you to continue prioritising good governance for the benefit of the people.”
The IPOB leader also offered prayers for Otti and his entourage, underscoring a tone of mutual encouragement amid the visit.
Sokoto state officials joined the delegation, reflecting broader regional backing for dialogue in Kanu’s protracted legal saga, which has drawn international scrutiny over free speech and self-determination claims.
No timeline was specified for Kanu’s potential release, but Otti’s optimism aligns with recent calls from rights groups and political figures for his unconditional freedom.
Photos from the visit show Otti engaging closely with Kanu in the facility’s visiting area, capturing moments of animated discussion.
