Inside the Controversy: What the Reported Prison Move Means for Nnamdi Kanu
In a fiery Facebook post that has stirred intense reactions across the country, human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore claimed that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has secretly moved detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Abuja to a prison facility in Sokoto.
According to Sowore, the alleged transfer—said to have taken place between yesterday and today—was done covertly and with the intention of keeping Kanu isolated, unsafe, and far from public attention. Sowore asserted that the decision was not accidental, calling it “a calculated move designed to weaken him physically, mentally, and politically.”
Why Sokoto? Sowore Explains
Sowore claimed that officials dismissed the idea of relocating Kanu to the Kuje prison in Abuja, arguing that he would “become a king” if housed there. According to him, those behind the decision allegedly feared that supporters, particularly from the Southeast, would turn Kuje into a “pilgrimage ground.”
He argued that this perceived fear of solidarity and public pressure pushed authorities to opt for a prison facility further north—one he described as notorious and less accessible.
“They Want Him Far, Isolated, and Vulnerable” — Sowore
In his post, the activist alleged a broader strategy aimed at creating a false sense of hope among the public while ensuring Kanu remains indefinitely detained. Sowore described this as a psychological tactic designed to keep people calm and distracted while authorities “execute their darkest agenda.”
He wrote that the real plan is to keep Kanu alive “just long enough for hopes to remain high,” but not long enough for him to regain his freedom.
A Serious Accusation Against Southeast Politicians
Perhaps the most explosive part of Sowore’s statement was his claim that some politicians from Kanu’s own region are among his “greatest enemies.” He alleged that these political actors—fearful of Kanu’s influence and connection to the masses—have secretly supported efforts to keep him detained.
Sowore maintained that these same forces fought hard to frustrate the #FreeNnamdiKanuNOW protests he helped organize.
What This Means for Abuja and the Nation
The allegations, though not officially confirmed at the time of writing, have reignited national debate over:
- the transparency of the Federal Government’s handling of Kanu’s case,
- the role of regional politics in the IPOB leader’s prolonged detention,
- and the broader implications for human rights, fairness, and due process in Nigeria.
For many residents of Abuja—and Nigerians across the country—Sowore’s post raises pressing questions that will likely dominate public discourse in the coming days.
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