Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, never accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti, to visit Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre, his Spokesperson said.
In a statement, Director General, Media and Publicity Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, said that in fact, Governor Aliyu “was in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State.”
The full statement reads: “The attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a misleading report in some national newspapers alleging that the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti, to visit Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre. The government categorically refuted the report, clarifying that Governor Aliyu was not part of the Abia Governor’s entourage during the said visit.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was in the Holy Land performing Lesser Hajj as of 30th November 2025, at the time Dr. Otti privately visited Sokoto State.
“Upon Dr. Otti’s arrival at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto, he was received by selected Commissioners and Special Advisers, who subsequently led him to the Sokoto Government House, where he was accorded the customary courtesies extended to visiting State Governors.
“As you all know, the people of Sokoto are hospitable. We treat our visitors with utmost respect, irrespective of tribe or religion.
“The Sokoto State Government reiterates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu holds deep respect for constituted authority, remains committed to the Nigerian project, and continues to be a peace loving and law-abiding citizen.”
