By SUNTV Global Channel
December 25, 2025 | News
The Igbo community in Sokoto State on Wednesday marked the Christmas celebration in an unusual but symbolic way, spending the festive day with detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and other inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
During the visit, members of the community shared meals and fellowship with inmates, describing the outreach as a humanitarian gesture inspired by compassion, communal responsibility and the spirit of Christmas.
In a statement signed by Nze A. C. Madu and made available to journalists, the leadership of the Sokoto Igbo community said the decision to celebrate Christmas at the correctional facility was influenced by what it described as Kanu’s reported preference not to dine alone during the festive season.
“Understanding his reported preference not to dine alone, especially during the Christmas season, the community made a decisive and inclusive choice,” the statement said.
“Rather than limiting their generosity to a single individual, they elected to provide festive meals for the entire inmate population of the facility.”
According to the group, the outreach ensured that all inmates at the centre were part of the Christmas celebration.
“This benevolent act ensured that all approximately 1,300 inmates shared in the spirit of the season,” the statement added.
The leadership of the community said the initiative was deeply rooted in Igbo cultural values, particularly the belief in being one another’s keeper, while also reflecting universal principles of charity, compassion and fellowship.
“It was performed as a humanitarian service to all, irrespective of origin or circumstance,” the statement read. “It underscores a commitment to humanity and shared goodwill, offering a moment of comfort and inclusivity during the holiday period.”
The Sokoto Igbo community further expressed hope that the gesture would promote peace, unity and mutual understanding beyond the Christmas season.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently being held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre following his transfer after Justice James Omotosho sentenced him to life imprisonment in November 2025 over terrorism-related counts one, two, four, five and six.
The court also handed Kanu a 20-year jail term on count three and a five-year jail term on count seven, both without an option of fine, after convicting him on all seven charges.
Although the judgment has attracted widespread public reaction and condemnation in some quarters, Kanu has indicated his intention to challenge the conviction and sentence at the appellate court.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as they unfold.
