Tension Mounts in Sokoto as Nnamdi Kanu’s Presence Alters Daily Life, Visitors Restricted

• Sokoto residents are living with growing anxiety as heavy security, constant visits and restricted movement surround the Sokoto Central Correctional Centre, where IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu is serving a life sentence.

Tension is steadily rising across Sokoto metropolis as residents struggle to adjust to the presence of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Central Correctional Centre.

The correctional facility, located near Yar Marina, is only a short distance from the Sultan’s Palace and close to the Sokoto North Local Government headquarters — a positioning locals say magnifies public concern. Homes, businesses, markets and transport operators now carry on with an undercurrent of caution.

Kabiru Mohammed Gobirawa, a veteran journalist, recalled that Sokoto once housed a high-profile inmate — former NYSC Director General, Colonel Peter Obasa — but noted that the scale of attention, visits and security around Kanu is unprecedented.

“We pray his presence does not trigger another wave of fear in a state already battling insecurity,” he said.

Kanu was transferred to Sokoto shortly after his life sentence was delivered in Abuja. Justice James Omotosho authorised the DSS to hold him in any prison in the country, a decision that has stirred debate among lawyers and observers.

Security checkpoints sprang up overnight around Yar Marina. Patrol teams became more frequent and movement around the facility tightened. The area also hosts the headquarters of Police Zone 10, the AIG’s office, and buildings still scarred from bomb attacks linked to Boko Haram in 2016.

Life appears normal — markets open, schools run, traffic flows — yet the mood is far from calm.

Traders say business continues, but everyone watches their surroundings. “We woke up to heavy deployment around the prison,” said Alhaji Sani Alfa. “Since we heard Kanu was here, things have changed. We do business, but with caution.”

Another resident, Fatima Mai Masa, said night movement has reduced drastically. “There are soldiers, police and vehicles moving at every hour. Even children know something is happening.”

Kanu’s detention has turned the area into a focal point. Lawyers, sympathisers and political figures arrive frequently. Last week, a visit by the Governor of Abia State sent fresh anxiety through the neighbourhood as security doubled instantly.

His lawyer, Dr. Maxwell Opara, visited last Sunday with associates and later said Kanu remained mentally strong and focused on appealing his conviction. But he questioned the logic behind relocating him to Sokoto, far from his legal base in Abuja. “Our concern is access,” he said.

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A correctional staff member confirmed the tight monitoring: “Entry is strictly controlled,” he said.

For now, Sokoto moves carefully. Residents speak quietly, businesses operate under watchful eyes, and the city waits, unsure how long this uneasy atmosphere will last.

Efforts by journalists to access the facility were unsuccessful. Even passersby near the area were subjected to searches before being allowed through.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Government has denied reports that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti during his visit. A statement by Aliyu’s spokesperson said the governor was out of the country performing Lesser Hajj at the time, adding that Sokoto’s tradition of hospitality remains unchanged.