Sokoto State has debunked reports linking Governor Ahmed Aliyu to Abia Governor Alex Otti’s private visit to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, dismissing the claim as pure misinformation.
The government flamed up on Friday after rumours spread online suggesting Aliyu accompanied Otti to the Sokoto Custodial Centre, where Kanu is being held.
But in a sharp rebuttal, the governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, declared the story false, insisting Aliyu wasn’t even in Nigeria at the time.
“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 government explained that Otti arrived the state quietly and was received not by the governor, but by select commissioners and Special Advisers at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, before being escorted to Government House for routine courtesies given to visiting governors.
“As you all know, the people of Sokoto are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion,” the statement added, dismissing any suggestion of political collaboration surrounding the visit.
Sokoto officials doubled down, stressing Aliyu’s unwavering loyalty to national unity and rule of law.
“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 government maintained.
Otti’s visit to Kanu has stirred waves nationwide, especially after IPOB described the visit as “historic” and “surprising.”
The Abia governor was accompanied by Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Attorney General, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence after the Federal High Court found him guilty of terrorism and related charges on November 20, 2025.
