Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Sunday visited the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, assuring him that efforts toward securing his release were ongoing.

Otti was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

Some officials of the Sokoto State Government were also present.

Ekeoma, in a statement issued after the visit, said the governor encouraged Kanu to remain strong, noting that engagements he initiated more than two years ago had been intensified.

He quoted Otti as saying the matter would be resolved “administratively” and expressed optimism that Kanu would soon regain his freedom.

The governor was also said to have informed Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto had shown support for a peaceful resolution of the issue.

According to Ekeoma, Otti added — jokingly — that the Sultan had remarked Kanu was now his “subject” and would be turbaned, which drew laughter from the IPOB leader.

Kanu, who was described as being in high spirits during the visit, thanked the governor for the gesture.

He reportedly told Otti he was proud of the development strides in Abia State and urged him to continue prioritising good governance for the benefit of the people.

Kanu also prayed for the governor and his team.