Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Sunday visited the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, reaffirming that efforts to secure his release are advancing steadily.
Governor Otti was accompanied by 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. Some officials of the Sokoto State Government were also in attendance.
In a statement issued after the visit, Ekeoma said the governor encouraged Kanu to remain optimistic, noting that discussions initiated more than two years ago had recently gained new momentum. He quoted Otti as expressing confidence that the issue would be resolved “administratively,” insisting that Kanu’s release was now “closer than ever.”
Ekeoma further disclosed that Otti briefed the IPOB leader on the Sultan of Sokoto’s interest in supporting a peaceful and lasting resolution. The governor reportedly lightened the atmosphere when he joked that the Sultan now considered Kanu “his subject” and might even turban him—a comment that drew laughter from Kanu.
Described as being in high spirits, the IPOB leader expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit. He praised Otti’s development strides in Abia State and urged him to remain focused on delivering good governance. Kanu also prayed for the governor and members of his entourage.
