By Muhammad Mamman
Reports circulating on social media on Monday claim that inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre have symbolically declared detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as their “president”, sparking heightened attention around conditions inside the facility.
According to accounts shared by Politics Nigeria, the alleged declaration followed growing grievances among inmates, who reportedly view Kanu as a figure of resistance within the prison environment. The report suggests that the gesture was largely symbolic, intended as a form of protest rather than an organised political act.
Prison authorities have not confirmed the incident, and no official statement had been issued at the time of reporting. Security sources, however, have hinted that internal reviews are routine whenever such claims emerge, particularly those involving high-profile detainees.
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention since his re-arrest in 2021 and is currently facing multiple charges brought by the Federal Government. His legal team has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and the conditions of his detention.
While the reported “presidency” appears to be a symbolic move by inmates, the claim has already triggered strong reactions online, especially among supporters and critics of the separatist leader.
