US Delegation Visits Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Detention Facility
Sokoto — A high-profile delegation from the United States has visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Medium Security Custodial Centre, drawing renewed attention to the legal and diplomatic controversies surrounding his detention.
The delegation was led by Lady Blessing Ijeoma and included Dr. Sylvester Onyia, President of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and Mr. Evans Nwankwo, Chairman of the Ambassadors for Self Determination.
Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges, has been in the custody of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021. His transfer to Sokoto, far from his southeastern stronghold and the Abuja court overseeing his trial, has been a source of concern for his supporters and legal team.
Speaking after the visit, Lady Blessing Ijeoma described the purpose of their trip as one of “humanitarian concern and solidarity.”
“Our primary mission was to see him, to ascertain his condition firsthand, and to offer our support,” Ijeoma said. “We are a group deeply invested in peaceful advocacy and the welfare of all people.”
When asked about Kanu’s health and state of mind, Ijeoma said, “He remains resolute. Our observations of the facility will be part of a broader report to our organizations,” without elaborating on the report’s contents.
The presence of Dr. Onyia, representing AVID, highlights the continued interest of the Igbo diaspora in Kanu’s case and broader self-determination issues. Mr. Nwankwo’s Ambassadors for Self Determination also reinforce the activist network campaigning for Kanu’s welfare and release.
The visit is expected to reignite discussions about Kanu’s detention conditions and the fairness of his trial. His legal team has repeatedly alleged rights violations and has appealed for his release, a stance supported by human rights groups and some southeastern leaders.
