The Sokoto State Government has firmly denied reports circulating on social media claiming that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on a private visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.
In a statement released on Friday by Abubakar Bawa, the spokesperson to Governor Aliyu, the government described the report as completely false and misleading. The statement clarified that Governor Aliyu was not even in the country on the day Governor Otti visited Sokoto.
“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 said.
The clarification comes amid growing political discussions surrounding Governor Otti’s visit to Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in prolonged detention over allegations of treasonable felony and other charges connected to IPOB’s separatist activities. The Sokoto Government said it needed to respond to set the record straight and prevent misinformation from spreading further.
The statement explained that Governor Alex Otti’s trip to Sokoto was private and not connected to Governor Aliyu or the Sokoto State Government’s official functions. Governor Otti, it said, followed standard courtesy arrangements extended to any visiting state governor.
According to the statement, Otti was received at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport by a delegation of Sokoto State officials, including commissioners and special advisers. This, the government stressed, was routine protocol meant to show respect to fellow governors, not evidence of joint involvement in his visit to Nnamdi Kanu.
“He was escorted to the Sokoto Government House where he was offered the usual courtesies extended to visiting governors,” the statement added.
The government emphasised that Sokoto people are known for hospitality and respect for visitors regardless of origin. “As you all know, the people of Sokoto are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion,” it said.
The rumour that Governor Aliyu accompanied Governor Otti to meet Nnamdi Kanu arose shortly after news broke that the Abia governor had held discussions with the detained IPOB leader. This visit immediately sparked political speculation across the country.
Nnamdi Kanu remains a highly controversial figure in Nigerian politics. His detention has generated ongoing legal battles, protests by IPOB supporters, and heated national conversations on federalism, justice, and security. Any visit to him by political figures often becomes a subject of debate.
However, there is no evidence that Governor Aliyu met or attempted to meet Kanu. The Sokoto Government said misinformation was being shared by individuals who did not verify facts before posting online.
In the statement, the Sokoto Government stressed that Governor Aliyu remained committed to the unity and stability of Nigeria. It described him as a “peace-loving and law-abiding leader” who respects all constituted authorities.
“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,” the statement said.
The government added that Aliyu could not have been part of any activity involving the detained IPOB leader because he was in Saudi Arabia for religious duties at the time. It noted that Aliyu’s commitment to religious obligations further confirms that the rumours were baseless.
The Sokoto Government urged the public to be cautious about spreading unverified information, particularly when it involves sensitive national issues. It noted that social media has become a major source of both genuine news and harmful misinformation.
The statement encouraged journalists and citizens to always verify claims before sharing them. “It is important that members of the public exercise restraint and confirm facts from official channels,” it said.
The clarification by the Sokoto Government was met with mixed reactions online. While many praised the government for clearing the air, others expressed concern about the ease with which misinformation spreads in Nigeria’s political space.
Some users argued that political actors should expect such rumours due to the high level of public interest in the case involving the IPOB leader. Others said the clarification was necessary to protect the governor’s image and prevent mischief makers from creating friction between northern and southern political blocs.
The visit by Governor Otti, although private, has reopened conversations about Nnamdi Kanu’s legal situation. His detention has lasted for years, despite several court rulings, political appeals, and interventions by groups advocating for dialogue and reconciliation.
Kanu’s followers continue to demand his release, while many Nigerians, particularly in the South-East, see his case as symbolic of larger grievances about marginalisation. On the other hand, the Federal Government has consistently argued that Kanu must face justice for alleged offences that threaten national security.
