A group of Igbo traditional priestesses on Wednesday visited the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where they offered prayers for his unconditional release.
The delegation, operating under the umbrella of the Titled Spiritual Mothers of Igboland, was led by Chief Mrs Oliaku Chika Ibeneme, who holds the title of Nne Mmanwu Igbo Niine (Mother of All Igbo Masquerades).
Mrs Ibeneme, a former Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Housing and a respected custodian of Igbo tradition, was accompanied on the visit by Lolo Eze Nwanyị Nnewi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the pro-Biafra group, the priestesses said they visited Kanu to express solidarity and maternal support, describing him as a cherished son of the Igbo nation.
According to the statement, the spiritual mothers offered prayers and invoked ancestral blessings during the visit while presenting symbolic gifts to the detained IPOB leader.
“It is with deep reverence and cultural pride that we announce the sacred and purposeful visit paid today on behalf of Ndi Nne Mụọ Ala-Igbo nile — the Titled Spiritual Mothers of Igboland — representing the collective maternal and ancestral guardianship of our people across Ala-Igbo,” the statement read.
The group also revealed plans to expand their advocacy by engaging prominent traditional rulers, spiritual leaders, and other authorities across Nigeria in efforts to secure Kanu’s release.
They said the initiative is aimed at promoting dialogue, seeking spiritual intervention, and mobilising support for what they described as his unconditional freedom.
Ibeneme further called on Igbo people and supporters worldwide to pray for Kanu’s release.
“We urge all sons and daughters of Ala-Igbo, as well as people of conscience everywhere, to unite in fervent prayers for the immediate freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and for the restoration of justice, equity, and harmony in our land,” she said.
