The Igbo community in Sokoto State marked Christmas Day by spending time with detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and other inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
During the visit, members of the community shared meals and fellowship with inmates at the facility as part of a Christmas outreach.
In a statement signed by Nze A. C. Madu and made available to journalists, the leadership of the Sokoto Igbo community said the gesture was motivated by compassion, communal responsibility and the spirit of the Christmas season.
According to the statement, the community chose to celebrate Christmas with inmates after learning of Kanu’s reported preference not to dine alone during the festive period.
“Understanding his reported preference not to dine alone, especially during the festive season of Christmas, the community made a decisive and inclusive choice,” the statement said. “Rather than limiting their generosity to a single individual, they elected to provide festive meals for the entire inmate population of the facility.”
The community said the outreach ensured that all inmates at the correctional centre benefited from the celebration.
“This benevolent act ensured that all approximately 1,300 inmates shared in the spirit of the season,” the statement added.
Describing the initiative as deeply rooted in Igbo cultural values, the leadership said the outreach reflected the principle of being one another’s keeper, as well as broader ideals of charity and fellowship.
“It was performed as a humanitarian service to all, irrespective of origin or circumstance,” the statement said. “It underscores a commitment to humanity and shared goodwill, offering a moment of comfort and inclusivity during the holiday period.”
The Sokoto Igbo community expressed hope that the gesture would promote peace, unity and mutual understanding beyond the Christmas season.
Kanu is currently being held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre following his transfer after Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment in November 2025 on six terrorism-related counts. The court also sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment on one count and five years’ imprisonment on another, both without an option of fine.
Justice Omotosho convicted the IPOB leader on all seven counts of terrorism-related charges. While the judgment has attracted widespread criticism, Kanu has indicated his intention to challenge the conviction and sentence at the appellate court.
