Family says Nnamdi Kanu predicted he would end up in Sokoto prison

The family of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has said that more than eight years ago, he foretold that his detention in Sokoto would signal the beginning of his eventual freedom.

They also insisted that those responsible for Kanu’s continued incarceration would find no peace.

Kanu’s parents, the late HRM Eze Israel Okwu Kanu and his wife, Ugoeze Kanu, were laid to rest on February 14, 2020, after passing away in October 2017. Their deaths followed the invasion of the family home in Afaraukwu by soldiers during Operation Python Dance, an incident the family says left them traumatised.

Speaking during a memorial ceremony held on February 14 at the family compound to mark the burial anniversary of the late parents, Kanu’s younger brother and family spokesperson, Prince Emma Kanu, said his brother had long predicted that reaching Sokoto would mark a turning point in the Biafra struggle.

According to him, Kanu maintained that once he arrived in Sokoto, it would signify that the quest for Biafra had reached a decisive stage. He described his brother as a peaceful man who could not be intimidated, adding that if the actualisation of Biafra became the final option, then so be it.

Prince Emma said the family remained committed to the cause their parents stood for, stressing that they would not betray their sacrifices. He added that Kanu believes strongly in dialogue rather than violence and maintained that the family would not rest until he regains his freedom.

At the graveside of their parents, family members offered prayers, calling on divine forces and the land to act against those they accused of conspiring against Kanu and the Biafra cause. They declared that anyone who had worked against the family or sought to profit from Kanu’s ordeal would face consequences.

Pouring libation, Prince Emma told his late mother that her death was not in vain and urged her to rise against all those opposing the family, Kanu, and the Biafra struggle. He also expressed confidence that Kanu would emerge victorious, describing him as a symbol and light of Biafra.

Several speakers, including representatives of Biafran veterans and supporters from different parts of the country, said the gathering was meant to honour the dead and renew commitment to the struggle. They urged supporters not to lose faith and called on the Federal Government to release Kanu without conditions.

A cleric, Evangelist Nnamdi Obike of the Jehovah Elohim Evangelical Ministry, also said Kanu had earlier predicted that the struggle would culminate in Sokoto, noting that events had so far aligned with his words. He added that Kanu would soon regain his freedom and emerge with renewed purpose.