Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has expressed deep concern and alarm following widespread reports alleging that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been secretly relocated to Sokoto prison shortly after receiving a life sentence. The development has sparked intense debate, public outrage, and political tension as Nigerians continue to question the motives behind the supposed transfer.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday, and shortly afterward, fresh claims emerged suggesting that he was quietly moved out of Abuja in a covert operation earlier today. Sowore, known for his strong stance on human rights and government accountability, immediately took to his official X (formerly Twitter) platform to voice his concerns and condemn the alleged move.
Sowore’s reaction to alleged secret transfer
In his reaction, Sowore did not hold back. He alleged that the Federal Government deliberately transferred Kanu to a northern prison facility where, according to him, “his safety cannot be guaranteed.” He argued that this plan was not an impulsive action but a premeditated strategy that had been in motion long before the court delivered its judgment.
He stated: “Yes, they have already planned it. Their intention is to move @MaziNnamdiKanu to a notorious prison based in the northern parts where his safety cannot be guaranteed. It is now confirmed that they secretly moved him to Sokoto prison earlier today.”
Sowore further claimed that prison officials allegedly resisted keeping Kanu at the well-known Kuje correctional centre in Abuja. According to him, their reason was that “Igbo people” and other supporters would heavily troop to the facility, transforming it into what he described as a “place of pilgrimage.” He suggested that the authorities wanted to prevent such mass gatherings and heightened attention around Kanu’s detention.
Allegations of political motives
Beyond the alleged transfer, Sowore accused the government of deliberately manipulating public emotions regarding Kanu’s fate. He claimed that authorities were intentionally giving Nigerians “false hope” as part of a wider strategy designed to keep the public calm while Kanu remains in custody under potentially life-threatening conditions.
According to him, “the strategy is to keep your hopes alive just long enough for him to die in custody,” suggesting that the government’s actions are deeply political and rooted in silencing opposition voices rather than following legal or humanitarian principles.
He also directed criticism at political leaders from Kanu’s region, accusing them of being complicit in efforts to suppress him. Sowore argued that these politicians fear Kanu’s popularity, influence, and ability to mobilise people, which he believes is why they allegedly opposed the #FreeNnamdiKanuNOW protests and other advocacy efforts for his release.
He said: “I have said it before without fear, MNK’s greatest enemies are the politicians from his own region. They fear his influence, they fear his connection to the people, and they want him silenced permanently. This is why they fought tooth and nail to frustrate our #FreeNnamdiKanuNOW protest.”
Sowore’s warning
Concluding his remarks, Sowore warned Nigerians not to take lightly the developments surrounding Kanu’s imprisonment and alleged transfer. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, stressing that the political undertones shaping Kanu’s treatment should not be ignored. He cautioned that the case is not only about one man but speaks to broader issues of human rights, political suppression, and the dangers faced by those who challenge the system.
The situation continues to generate reactions nationwide, with many Nigerians calling for transparency, proof of Kanu’s location, and assurances regarding his safety. As tensions rise, the alleged transfer has become a focal point in the ongoing conversation about justice, political power, and the treatment of high-profile detainees in Nigeria.