Yuletide: Bishop Kukah visits Sokoto prison inmates; Interacts with Nnamdi Kanu
By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
As part of his yearly Christmas outreach, the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, Thursday, paid a pastoral visit to inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Facility, Sokoto.
Bishop Kukah, who was accompanied by priests, religious, and members of the lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, was warmly received upon arrival by the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sokoto State Command, alongside other officers on duty.
Typical of the annual visit, Bishop Kukah held separate extensive listening sessions with both the male and female inmates for about three hours, during which the respected outspoken religious leader heard their experiences, challenges, and living conditions within the facility.
One of those he met and interacted with was the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is presently being held in the facility pending his appeal against the recent judgement by an Abuja court. Details of Bishop Kukah’s interaction with Mazi Kanu have not been made public but inside sources said their discussion was fruitful.
While some of the other inmates took advantage of the session to share their personal stories, including claims of innocence and concerns about prolonged detention despite not being found guilty, some others used the avenue to passionately appeal to Bishop Kukah to help to seek possible pardon or a review of their cases with the Federal Government and relevant authorities.
Responding to the visit, the Sokoto State Correctional Center spokesperson appealed for improved amenities within the facility and requested support for skills acquisition, handwork, and vocational training, which would help inmates prepare for life after incarceration.
Addressing the inmates, Bishop Kukah encouraged them to use their time in custody as an opportunity for personal growth and renewal, so that upon reintegration into society, they would become positive agents of change.
Kukah further assured them of his commitment to engage relevant professionals responsible for correctional care on their behalf, and to advocate with government authorities on their behalf, especially in cases involving claims of innocence.
A statement by the Director of Communications, Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Fr. Pascal Salifu noted that the visit concluded with prayers, words of encouragement, and renewed hope, adding that the inmates were assured of the Church’s commitment to standing with the marginalized and forgotten, particularly during the Christmas season.
