Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group that advocates for the independence of Biafra, a region in southeastern Nigeria was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being convicted on terrorism and related charges.

Security measures have been significantly reinforced at the Sokoto Custodial Centre following the transfer of Kanu to the facility.

Kanu was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being convicted on terrorism and related charges.

In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho ordered that Kanu be taken to a “protective prison,” disclosing that the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja was unsuitable due to past prison breaks and associated security risks.

On Friday, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, alleged that his client had been moved to Sokoto.

Reports stated the transfer placed Kanu far from his legal team, family, and supporters, and urged Ndigbo to remain calm.

Although officials of the Sokoto Custodial Centre declined to confirm his arrival. Meanwhile armed personnel were stationed at strategic points within and outside the prison, while a truckload of soldiers drove into the premises—an uncommon development, according to nearby residents.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We saw soldiers entering in trucks this evening. The security here has never been this tight.”