The Igbo community in Sokoto State says it marked Christmas with a visit to inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently held.
In a statement signed by Nze A. C. Madu and made available to journalists on Thursday, the community leadership described the outreach as a gesture of compassion and communal solidarity.
It said the initiative was inspired by the disposition of Kanu, whom it said is being held at the facility.
According to the statement, members of the Igbo community spent the Christmas celebration with inmates at the centre, sharing meals and fellowship as part of the outreach.
“Understanding his (Kanu’s) reported preference not to dine alone, especially during the festive season of Christmas, the community made a decisive and inclusive choice.
“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 statement read.
The community leadership said the gesture was rooted in the Igbo principle of being their brothers’ keepers as well as the universal values of charity 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, offering a moment of comfort and inclusivity during the holiday period,” the statement added.
The Sokoto Igbo community expressed hope that the initiative would promote peace, unity and goodwill beyond the festive season.
PUNCH Online reports that Kanu was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre after Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment over terrorism counts one, two, four, five and six in November 2025.
The judge also handed Kanu a 20-year jail term on count three, with no option of fine, and a five-year jail term on count seven, also with no option of fine.
Justice Omotosho delivered the judgment after convicting Kanu on all seven counts of terrorism offences.
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