The Sokoto State Government has denied claims that Governor Ahmed Aliyu joined his Abia counterpart, Alex Otti, on a visit to Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.
On Friday, the governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, issued a statement denying the claim.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Otti was met at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by selected commissioners and special advisers, who then escorted him to the Sokoto Government House, where he was afforded the normal courtesies accorded to visiting state governors.
The people of Sokoto are known for their hospitality. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion,” the government said.
The statement further reaffirmed Aliyu’s dedication to the Nigerian cause and his status as a peace-loving, law-abiding citizen.
“The Sokoto State Government reiterates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu holds deep respect for constituted authority, remains committed to the Nigerian project, and continues to be a peace-loving and law-abiding citizen,” it added.
The clarification follows public interest in Otti’s visit to Kanu, which the IPOB labeled as “historic” and “surprising.”
The Abia State governor was accompanied by his younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
