Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has urged dialogue and peaceful resolution following the life imprisonment sentence handed to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on terrorism charges.
In a post on X on Friday, Sani reflected on his own experience of imprisonment under a military regime, emphasizing that life imprisonment can be endured and is not necessarily the end of one’s life.
Sani, who was convicted and sentenced by the late Gen. Sani Abacha military regime, served time in Aba Correctional Centre from 1995 to 1998, having previously spent a year in Kiri Kiri and Port Harcourt prisons.
He recalled being treated well by most inmates and warders, despite facing some challenges with “a few tough guys.”
He wrote, “Sentencing a man to life imprisonment is not the end of his life. Some of us have been through life imprisonment and we survived it… There is still room for dialogue to resolve the issue in the interest of peace. Life imprisonment is a phase and not the end.”
Sani’s comments come amid renewed attention on Kanu’s detention, following reports that he has been moved to a correctional facility in Sokoto.
Kanu’s former lawyer and consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, expressed concern over the transfer, noting that it places Kanu far from his legal team, family, and supporters.
He compared the situation to the 1963 conviction of Obafemi Awolowo, who was sent to a neutral zone, and suggested that President Tinubu could intervene to prevent further complications.
As of Friday evening, PUNCH Online could not independently confirm Kanu’s relocation.
Kanu was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday for seven terrorism-related charges.
Justice James Omotosho handed life terms for five counts, 20 years for one, and five years for another, all without the option of a fine.
The judge also noted that Kuje Correctional Centre might not be suitable for Kanu due to security concerns, recommending a more secure facility.
