Claim: A Facebook user claims that the Sultan of Sokoto visited Nnamdi Kanu in prison to discuss the appeal of his sentence and urge him to abandon calls for Biafra’s secession.
Verdict: False. DUBAWA found no evidence that the Sultan visited Nnamdi Kanu in prison. A member of the Sultanate Council dismissed the claim.
Full Text
The legal battle involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched court cases.
Also of great significance is the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, who serves as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims and is widely recognised for his role in promoting peace, dialogue, and national cohesion.
Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the federal government, has been at the centre of legal and political controversies since his arrest and subsequent return to Nigeria from Kenya in 2021.
After years of court proceedings, Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges and remanded at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on November 20, 2025, where he is currently serving his sentence pending the outcome of ongoing legal challenges and appeals.
In light of these circumstances, a Facebook user recently shared a video claiming that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, visited Kanu in prison to discuss the appeal of his sentence.
The video caption archived here reads: “Sultan of Sokoto visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu today, asking for dialogue, a few days after the federal government cross-appealed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to a death sentence. Asked Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to say no to separation and unite as one for a better Nigeria.”
The claimant further alleged that the Sultan urged Kanu to abandon calls for secession and support a united Nigeria.
As of June 11, 2026, the post had generated more than 42,000 views, 217 reactions and 421 shares within 6 hours.
The claim generated mixed reactions among users. One user, Don Ben Ikele Benedict, appeared to believe the claim.
He said: “The time for that has passed. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu told them that earlier, a time like this would come.”
“Social media story. Are you there with them?” Another user, Yusuf Ismail, questioned the authenticity of the story.
Given the sensitivity of the claim and its potential to mislead the public, DUBAWA investigated it.
Verification
DUBAWA searched for reports of the alleged prison visit across major Nigerian media organisations and official communication channels associated with the Sultanate Council Media Team.
The search found no credible news report, official statement, photograph or video showing that the Sultan of Sokoto visited Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
Given the prominence of both individuals, such a visit would likely attract public attention and media coverage.
DUBAWA also contacted a member of the Sultanate Council, the District Head of Kilgori, Muhammad Jabbi, who dismissed the claim as false.
According to him, the Sultan did not visit Nnamdi Kanu in prison, and no such engagement took place.
Conclusion
The claim that the Sultan of Sokoto visited Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto prison to discuss his appeal and persuade him to abandon calls for secession is false.