Kukah visits Sokoto prison, meets Kanu, other inmates

By Abubakar Auwal | Fri, 19 Dec 2025 | Source: Daily Trust

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Thursday visited the Sokoto Custodial Centre as part of his annual Christmas outreach, where he met with the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and other inmates.

Confirming the visit during a telephone interview, Bishop Kukah said the engagement was driven by his pastoral responsibility to minister to all persons under his care, regardless of their status.

He said the Church focuses on the dignity of the human person and does not pass judgment, noting that visiting inmates is part of its moral and spiritual obligation.

According to the Diocese, the Bishop was accompanied by priests, religious sisters and lay members of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto. The delegation was received by the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sokoto State Command, and other senior officers.

During separate listening sessions with male and female inmates, which lasted about three hours, inmates shared concerns over prolonged detention, living conditions and lack of vocational opportunities.

Addressing them, Bishop Kukah urged the inmates to use their period of incarceration for reflection and renewal, assuring them of the Church’s continued advocacy and support.