Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured that the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will soon be resolved through administrative channels rather than prolonged court battles.
The governor gave the assurance after visiting Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre over the weekend, in continuation of efforts he began shortly after assuming office in May 2023.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti described the visit as fruitful and disclosed that he encouraged the IPOB leader to remain strong while intensive engagements for his release continue.
“The Governor enjoined Kanu to remain calm but strong, assuring that the issue will be resolved administratively and that he, Mazi Kanu, will regain his freedom,” the statement read.
Otti also revealed that the Sultan of Sokoto shares his position on the need for Kanu’s release to reduce tension in the South-East. In a lighter moment during their interaction, the Sultan reportedly joked that Kanu had become his subject and would soon be turbaned, a comment that left the IPOB leader laughing heartily.
Kanu, who was described as being in high spirits and beaming with smiles, thanked Governor Otti for the visit and for sustaining the push for his freedom. He praised the governor’s developmental projects in Abia State, comparing them to the legacy of the late Sam Mbakwe, former governor of old Imo State.
“He told the Governor that he is very proud of his giant strides in Abia based on the feedback he gets from home about the state since he assumed office, a feat he said is replicating what the late Dee Sam Mbakwe did,” the statement added.
The IPOB leader reportedly told Otti that his only interest remains good governance and anything that improves the lives of the people, while praying for the governor and his team.
Governor Otti was accompanied to Sokoto by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN; Ferdinand Ekeoma; Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; as well as some senior Sokoto State Government officials.
Kanu has been in detention since his rearrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021. Although courts have granted him bail and even discharged him on some occasions, federal authorities have continued to hold him on fresh charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
The latest assurance from Governor Otti has raised fresh hopes among IPOB supporters and many South-East residents who believe Kanu’s continued detention is fuelling insecurity and economic stagnation in the region.
While no specific timeline has been given, the governor’s declaration of an administrative resolution marks the strongest indication yet from a serving South-East governor that behind-the-scenes efforts to secure Kanu’s freedom have reached an advanced stage.
