Three weeks after the transfer of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to the Sokoto Correctional Centre, the security around the facility remains unusually tight.
Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20 for terrorism-related charges, is currently serving his sentence at the facility following concerns raised by the court regarding his safety.
The court noted that the Kuje Correctional Facility, where Kanu was initially held, might not be suitable given prior prison breaks.
On Friday, when Punch visited the Sokoto Correctional Centre located along Marina Road, an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and heavily armed security personnel were stationed at strategic points around the premises.
Security at the facility has been significantly heightened, with access to the prison strictly controlled. Attempts to enter the premises were firmly rejected, with security officers insisting that no journalist would be allowed entry without prior clearance from the national headquarters.
A security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that several Igbo associations in the state had recently attempted to visit Kanu but were denied access.
The officer stated, “We are not allowed to let people come here to see him. If we do that, the security here will be compromised. Only his family members and his lawyers are permitted. We also allow certain high-profile visitors. For instance, when the Abia State Governor visited last week with his Attorney-General, they were granted limited access.”
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