HELL BEHIND THE WALLS: Former Inmate’s Harrowing Account of Life in Sokoto Prison Sparks Fierce Debate Amid Kanu Detention
By Passman Akpos
A chilling personal account of life inside the Sokoto Correctional Centre has gone viral, igniting fresh fears, emotions and political tension surrounding the continued detention of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The narrative, shared by a Bayelsa man who claims to have spent 14 years in Sokoto Prison after a life sentence for accessory to treason, describes the facility as “hell on earth” — a place of overcrowding, linguistic isolation, survival struggles, and emotional trauma.
🔹 “Sokoto Prison Is Hell On Earth” — Ex-Inmate Recounts
According to the former inmate:
He was transferred to Sokoto in 2018 after being sentenced in 2013 on “trumped-up charges without evidence.”
The prison housed about 1,500 inmates, with only 28 Christians and fewer than 100 English speakers, creating linguistic and religious isolation.
Homosexual activities were reportedly rampant, forcing inmates to “be humble and adapt to survive.”
Cells, he said, were severely overcrowded and mentally draining.
He narrated how he turned to Christianity, becoming the prison’s pastor, which gave him emotional strength.
One of the most emotional parts of his story was a rare visitation from his wife. He described how, despite harassment by wardens, she embraced him affectionately:
> “She kissed me despite my poor oral hygiene. Her love kept me alive.”
He credited Pastor Miebi Bribena, Amb. Boladei Igali and Barr. Oweilaemi Roland for facilitating the visit.
🔹 Kanu’s Supporters React: Panic, Faith, and Political Interpretation
The testimony triggered immediate reactions, especially from supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently moved to Sokoto under special custody conditions.
Many saw the story as a psychological tactic:
> “What does this write-up seek to achieve? To break the hearts of a people under torture?”
Others insisted that Kanu is not comparable to the ex-inmate, and would not face the same conditions:
> “He is not on your level. MNK will not stay in that position. He will create a new Nigeria from prison.”
Faith-driven messages flooded in:
> “His grace is special… God will always make him happy in there.”
Some recalled the unresolved political and legal battle:
> “Wasn’t there a Supreme Court order for his release that Buhari ignored?”
🔹 Doubts and Skepticism: “Your Story Doesn’t Add Up”
While many sympathised, others questioned inconsistencies in the man’s claims.
Critics pointed to visible comforts in a circulating photo of him:
> “Bed, mosquito net, wristwatch, private clothes… This looks like a hostel, not Sokoto prison.”
Others accused him of exaggeration or seeking attention:
> “If you verify these things now, it’s full of lies… Just someone with Android phone and data.”
🔹 Fear for Kanu’s Safety
The biggest concern remained the choice of Sokoto — one of Nigeria’s harshest and most isolated correctional centres.
People echoed anxiety:
> “I fear for his safety. Why Sokoto? There are prisons in Lagos, Abuja, Kogi.”
Yet hope persists among pro-Biafra supporters:
> “MNK is a game changer. Soon you will see his pictures.”“The God that saved you will save him too.”
🔹 The Larger Question
The viral post has exposed:
Public mistrust of Nigeria’s correctional system
Ethno-political fear over Kanu’s detention
Distrust of government motives
Emotional fatigue among supporters
As one comment put it:
> “Some people still believe a Messiah is coming to save them… but Nigeria should be worried — Kanu has a way of convincing people around him.”
A Story That Has Become Bigger Than One Man
What began as a personal prison memoir has morphed into a political storm, reflecting a nation struggling with:
injustice,
ethnic tension,
faith,
fear,
and the fight for identity.
And with Kanu now held in Sokoto under “special custody conditions,” every testimony, every rumour and every fear is adding fuel to an already volatile national conversation.
