Security has been significantly reinforced at the Sokoto Custodial Centre following the transfer of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently convicted on terrorism related charges.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice James Omotosho found him guilty of multiple offences linked to terrorism and ruled that he should be moved to a more secure and protective facility. The court explained that the Kuje Custodial Centre was no longer adequate for his incarceration due to past jailbreaks and persistent concerns over security breaches.
On Friday, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the transfer, stating that his client had been taken to the Sokoto Custodial Centre. Ejimakor criticised the decision, arguing that it places Kanu far from his legal team, family members, and supporters. He said the distance could make communication and preparation for further legal actions more difficult. He urged the public, especially Ndigbo, to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
Despite the lawyer’s confirmation, officials at the Sokoto Custodial Centre refused to verify Kanu’s arrival. However, reporters from Saturday PUNCH observed an unusual level of military presence around the facility. Armed officers were stationed at major entry points, and a truck carrying soldiers was seen entering the compound. Residents described the security situation as unlike anything previously witnessed in the area.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, said, “We saw soldiers entering in trucks this evening. The security here has never been this tight. Everyone around is talking about it.”
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jane Osuji, acknowledged that Kanu remained in their custody. She declined to disclose his exact location, citing security sensitivity and ongoing operational procedures.
Later that day, Kanu’s wife, Uchechi Okwu Kanu, announced on her X page that her husband had been moved to Sokoto. She expressed dissatisfaction that the information reached the public before she was officially informed, and she called for greater transparency regarding his welfare.
Human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore also commented on the development. He alleged that the government conducted the relocation in secrecy and warned that the decision could expose Kanu to additional risks. Sowore called for clarity on the conditions of Kanu’s detention and insisted that his safety must be guaranteed.
The transfer continues to generate nationwide debate. Supporters, rights groups, and legal experts have raised questions about the implications for Kanu’s ongoing legal battles and the broader security landscape in the country.
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