The Igbo community in Sokoto State has marked Christmas by visiting inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently being held.
The visit was confirmed in a statement signed by Nze A. C. Madu and made available to journalists on Thursday.
According to the statement, the visit was organised as a humanitarian outreach aimed at spreading love, compassion and unity during the Christmas season.
Members of the Igbo community reportedly spent time with inmates at the facility, sharing food and fellowship as part of the celebration.
The statement explained that the decision to extend the gesture to all inmates was influenced by Kanu’s disposition 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.
“This benevolent act ensured that all approximately 1,300 inmates shared in the spirit of the season.”
The community leadership said the outreach was guided by the Igbo belief in collective responsibility and the universal values of kindness and fellowship.
“It was performed as a humanitarian service to all, irrespective of origin or circumstance, and underscores a commitment to humanity and shared goodwill,” the statement added.
The Igbo community in Sokoto expressed hope that the Christmas visit would promote peace, unity and understanding beyond the festive season.
Kanu is currently being held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre following his conviction on terrorism-related charges.
In November 2025, Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five and six.
The court also handed him a 20-year jail term on count three and a five-year jail term on count seven, with no option of fine.
The judgment followed Kanu’s conviction on all seven counts of terrorism offences brought against him by the Federal Government.
