In a dramatic turn of events, inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Sokoto have proclaimed the recently sentenced leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as their “Prison President.”
The declaration came shortly after Kanu’s arrival at the facility, where he is to serve a life sentence. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had found him guilty on all seven counts of terrorism offences, including secessionist agitations, acts of terrorism, and the killing of security operatives.
Upon his transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja to the Sokoto prison, a spontaneous scene unfolded.
Reports from within the prison indicate that inmates unanimously rallied around Kanu, scrambling to shake his hand and hailing him as “a man who speaks the truth without fear.”
According The Sun newspaper, a senior prison official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the unusual development. “Kanu has practically turned his cell block into a mini Radio Biafra,” the official stated, referring to the IPOB’s banned broadcast station. “Even those who once opposed him now sit quietly to listen. The surprising part is that nobody forces them—his words pull them.”
The official further revealed that the IPOB leader’s presence has significantly altered the atmosphere in the facility, noting that his bold and fearless rhetoric has commanded respect and made him a prominent figure among the inmate population.
This declaration by the inmates underscores the persistent and potent symbolism of Nnamdi Kanu, transforming his place of incarceration into a new arena for his influence.
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