Bishop Reveals Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Worries and Legal Hurdles from Sokoto Prison

Rt. Rev. Ikechukwu Egbuonu, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Oji River in Enugu State, has shed light on the physical and legal challenges facing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following a recent visit to him at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

In an interview, Bishop Egbuonu disclosed that Kanu voiced concerns about his deteriorating heart condition and the logistical difficulties of managing his legal appeal from such a distant location. The IPOB leader reportedly expressed frustration over the lack of movement to Abuja, where he needs to reconcile court records with the High Court to proceed with his appeal—an effort constrained by a strict 90-day deadline.

Despite these setbacks, the Bishop described Kanu as calm and composed during their meeting. However, he noted the activist’s disappointment over communication barriers with his legal team. Kanu had reportedly requested to speak with his lawyer regarding a misunderstanding over documents prepared for his case but had been unable to do so.

Addressing speculation that Kanu had dismissed his legal counsel, Bishop Egbuonu clarified that the IPOB leader had not terminated their services. Instead, Kanu opted to represent himself in court while retaining his lawyers in an advisory capacity. “In fact, one of his lawyers accompanied me during the visit,” the Bishop added.

The revelations come amid ongoing debates about Kanu’s detention and legal rights, raising fresh concerns about his health, access to justice, and the broader implications for due process in politically sensitive cases.