The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, on Thursday visited the Sokoto Custodial Centre as part of his annual Christmas outreach, during which he met with the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and other inmates.

Confirming the visit in a telephone interview, Bishop Kukah said his engagement with inmates, irrespective of their status, was driven by his pastoral duty.

“There is nothing wrong with visiting him because I have a pastoral obligation to anyone in my care. We focus on human beings, not their condition. We do not judge people,” he said.

The bishop explained that his Christmas-season visits to correctional facilities have become an annual tradition aimed at interacting with inmates, listening to their concerns and sharing fellowship with them.

In a statement issued by the Diocese, Bishop Kukah was accompanied by priests, religious sisters and lay members of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto. The delegation was received by the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sokoto State Command, and other senior officers.

According to the statement signed by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, the Bishop held separate listening sessions with male and female inmates lasting about three hours. During the sessions, inmates shared their experiences, challenges and concerns about living conditions.

Some inmates claimed innocence and complained of prolonged detention without trial, appealing for intervention with relevant authorities, while others called for improved facilities and vocational training to aid reintegration.

Addressing them, Bishop Kukah urged the inmates to use their incarceration for reflection and renewal, assuring them of the Church’s continued advocacy. (Daily Trust)