Inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Sokoto have declared the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as their president.
Kanu was recently sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja after he was found guilty on all seven counts of terrorism-related offences. The charges included secessionist activities, terrorism, membership of a proscribed group, killing of security operatives, destruction of public property, concealment, and the importation of an unregistered radio transmitter.
The IPOB leader, who had been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) throughout his prolonged trial, was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Facility following his sentencing.
According to Daily Sun, tension and excitement erupted upon his arrival in the facility, as inmates unanimously named him the “Prison President.” Witnesses said many inmates struggled to get close enough to shake his hand, describing him as “a man who speaks the truth without fear.”
A senior prison official, who spoke anonymously, stated that Kanu had practically turned his cell block into a mini Radio Biafra, attracting even those who previously disagreed with him. The official added that no inmate was forced to listen to him, but his words drew them in.
The official further noted that Kanu’s presence had significantly influenced the atmosphere in the prison. Regardless of whether people support his ideology, he said, Kanu’s boldness, fearlessness, and conviction have made him a notable figure within the facility.
Meanwhile, Kanu’s family has raised concerns after an Abuja court declined to issue a Production Warrant that would have enabled the Sokoto Correctional Facility to bring him to the Federal Capital Territory on Friday to complete his appeal documentation.
A family spokesperson and Kanu’s younger brother, Emma Kanu, told our correspondent by phone on Thursday morning that the Abuja High Court had earlier issued a summons for Kanu to appear on November 28 at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the settlement of records related to the appeal he filed before the November 20 judgment.
A Production Warrant is a mandatory court order authorising prison authorities to transport an inmate from detention to court. According to Emma, the court’s refusal to issue the warrant has hindered Kanu’s transfer to Abuja.
In the summons sighted, the Principal Registrar I of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Ojonugwa Thomas, referenced Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2025 between Nnamdi Kanu and the Federal Government. The summons directed both parties to “settle the record,” in line with Order and Rule 2 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021.
The document further stated that all concerned parties must appear at the Appeal Section of the Federal High Court Headquarters in Abuja on November 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. to proceed with settling the Record of Appeal.
