The Sokoto State Government has dismissed reports claiming that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Alex Otti, during a visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.
In a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, the government described the reports as false.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing the Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Otti was received at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by selected commissioners and special advisers, who then escorted him to the Sokoto Government House, where he was accorded the normal courtesies extended to visiting state governors.
“As you all know, the people of Sokoto are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion,” the statement added.
The government further emphasized Aliyu’s loyalty to national unity and his reputation as a peace-loving and law-abiding leader.
“The Sokoto State Government reiterates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu holds deep respect for constituted authority, remains committed to the Nigerian project, and continues to be a peace-loving and law-abiding citizen,” it said.
The clarification follows heightened public attention over Otti’s visit to Kanu, which IPOB described as “historic” and “surprising.”
Otti was accompanied on the visit by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
On November 20, 2025, The Telegraph reported that Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court for terrorism and related offences.
