Sokoto debunks report gov accompanied Otti to visit Kanu in prison

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu… Photo Credit: State House

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The Sokoto State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Alex Otti, during a visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, on Friday the government denied the claim.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State,” the statement read.

According to the statement, Otti was received at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by selected commissioners and Special Advisers, who then accompanied him to the Sokoto Government House, where he received the customary courtesies accorded to visiting state governors.

“As you all know, the people of Sokoto are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion,” the government said.

The statement further reiterated Aliyu’s commitment to the Nigerian project and his stance as a peace-loving, law-abiding citizen.

“The Sokoto State Government reiterates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu holds deep respect for constituted authority, remains committed to the Nigerian project, and continues to be a peace loving and law-abiding citizen,” it added.

The clarification follows public attention drawn by the visit of Otti to Kanu, which the IPOB described as “historic” and “surprising.”

Recall that the Abia State governor was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

On November 20, 2025, PUNCH Online reported that Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court of Nigeria, for being guilty of terrorism and other charges.

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