The Nigerian Custodial Centre in Sokoto has beefed up its security as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was moved to the facility from the Department of State Services (DSS) detention facility in Abuja.
Unofficial reports claim the move was made because the Kuje Correctional Facility, which was pronounced in Kanu’s sentencing, was deemed unsuitable due to potential risks. Kanu was reportedly transferred to Sokoto Prisons on the morning of November 21, a day after his judgment.
The transfer was done discreetly with no media coverage or announcements. News of Kanu’s transfer to the Sokoto Custodial Centre was broken to the general public by his legal team and family members, who couldn’t see him after returning to meet with the IPOB leader a day after his judgment.
The News of Kanu’s transfer sparked outrage amongst concerned Nigerians who believe it to be a risky move capable of escalating an already tense situation. Nigerians took to X to share their thoughts on the development, questioning the rationale behind the move and speculating on any foul play that could be at play.
” The Tinubu Regime Has Secretly Transferred Nnamdi Kanu to Sokoto Prison. Yes, they have already planned it. Their intention is to move @MaziNnamdiKanu to a notorious prison based in the northern parts, where his safety cannot be guaranteed. It is now confirmed that they secretly moved him to Sokoto prison earlier today.” Sahara Reporters Founder, Yele Sowore, shared reacting to the development.
Kanu’s relocation to Sokoto follows his sentence to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho on November 20, after convicting him of a 7-count charge, including terrorism and public incitement.
The Judgment was delivered after a heated exchange in the courtroom involving the IPOB leader and Justice James Omotosho after the former demanded that the Judge show him the law on which he is being tried.
Kanu’s legal team is expected to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal in the following weeks. They have 90 days to do that. However, well-meaning Nigerians are calling for a political solution to the matter, which involves a possible presidential pardon from the current Nigerian president.
