Politics

Sokoto Inmates ‘Crown’ Nnamdi Kanu as President in Shocking Prison Episode

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on November 28th, 2025.

A dramatic scene reportedly unfolded inside the Sokoto Correctional Centre as a group of inmates allegedly declared detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as the “President of Nigeria,” sparking concerns among officials about rising tensions and growing ideological influence within the facility.

According to sources within the prison system, the unusual incident occurred during a routine interaction period when several inmates began chanting pro-Kanu slogans. The chants quickly escalated into what some officials described as an “improvised inauguration,” with inmates symbolically announcing Kanu as their preferred national leader.

Prison authorities were said to have intervened promptly to restore order. Although no injuries were reported, the episode raised security concerns due to the level of coordination displayed by the inmates.

Officials familiar with the situation revealed that some prisoners, particularly those sympathetic to separatist movements, have been increasingly vocal about national grievances, thereby creating pockets of tension inside the correctional facility. The incident has reportedly prompted internal reviews to assess the level of inmate radicalization and to strengthen monitoring procedures.

Security analysts say the development underscores Nigeria’s deepening political and ethnic divides, noting that sentiments expressed within prison walls often reflect broader frustrations in society. They warn that ignoring such signs may allow extremist ideologies to fester among vulnerable groups.

As of press time, neither the Nigerian Correctional Service nor the Department of State Services (DSS) had issued an official statement on the incident. However, insiders suggest that disciplinary measures and a detailed investigation may follow to determine how the symbolic “crowning” was coordinated and whether external influences played a role.

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has remained a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. His incarceration continues to spark debates, protests, and legal battles nationwide.

The Sokoto prison episode adds yet another twist to his controversial story—highlighting the depth of loyalty he still commands and the unsettling ripple effects felt even inside heavily guarded facilities.