It was a rare spectacle yesterday, Sunday, November 30, 2025, when the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, made the recently-imprisoned Leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to burst into hearty laughter at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, Sokoto State.

Governor Otti, accompanied by key aides and other important personalities, had visited Kanu, who was on November 20, 2025, handed a life sentence for alleged terrorism by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

While discussing with Mazi Kanu during the visit, Gov. Otti encouraged him to remain strong, assuring him that the engagements he started over two years ago, which the IPOB leader has been aware of, have been intensified in spite of what happened.

The Governor enjoined Kanu to remain calm but strong, assuring that the issue will be resolved administratively and that he Mazi Kanu will regain his freedom.

Governor Otti expressed joy that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, is on the same page with him on the need for Kanu's freedom and de-escalation of tension.

According to a statement by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor (Media and Publicity), the stage was set for laughter when Dr. Otti informed Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto had on a lighter note told him that Kanu is now his subject and that he was going to turban him. This, Ekeoma said, was “an information that got the IPOB Leader laughing loudly.”

Ekeoma further reported: “Responding, Mazi Kanu who was beaming with smiles and in high spirits, thanked Governor Otti for the visit, and stated that he wasn't surprised that the Governor quickly came visiting, because he had done the same thing in the past.

“He told the Governor that he is very proud of his giant strides in Abia based on the feedbacks he gets from home about the state since he assumed office, a feat he said is replicating what Late Dee Sam Mbakwe did as Governor of Old Imo State which has kept him permanently immortalised, and called on the Governor to continue to serve the people diligently.

“The IPOB leader told Governor Otti that he, Kanu, is only interested in good governance and anything that could better the lot of the people, and prayed God to continue to be with the Governor and his team as they serve the people of the State.

“Governor Otti was accompanied on the visit by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, and some top Sokoto State government officials, including Commissioners and advisers.

“Also present during the visit was Kanu's younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu.”