A storm erupted in Nigeria’s Senate on Thursday after a northern lawmaker allegedly declared that Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu “will die in prison and nothing will happen,” triggering an explosive clash on the Senate floor and a heated objection from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Multiple senators say Abaribe rose instantly, shouting down the remark and warning his colleague never to repeat it. The chamber quickly descended into chaos as lawmakers scrambled to separate the two men, with shouts echoing across the floor and attempts at restoring order drowned out by the uproar.
“You cannot speak recklessly about a man whose case is before the court,” Abaribe was heard saying. “Nigeria is too fragile for statements like that.”
Another senator attempted to calm the room, urging restraint. “This is the National Assembly—not a battlefield,” he said. “We must disagree with dignity.”
The confrontation comes days after Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB movement, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho after being found guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges, including membership of a proscribed group, destruction of property, and other offences tied to IPOB’s separatist campaign.
Kanu, who had been held at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja throughout his trial, was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre following the verdict.
But his arrival there sparked unexpected scenes inside the prison.
According to information obtained by Daily Sun, inmates in Sokoto reportedly “appointed” Kanu as their “Prison President” within hours of his transfer. Several inmates were said to have rushed toward him, eager to shake his hand and calling him “a man who speaks boldly.”
A senior correctional officer, who asked not to be named, described Kanu’s growing influence behind bars.
“He has practically turned his block into a mini lecture hall,” the official said. “Even people who disagreed with him now sit quietly to listen. Nobody compels them—his confidence draws them in.”
The official added that Kanu’s presence has noticeably shifted the mood inside the facility. “Whether you agree with his ideology or not, you can’t deny he speaks with conviction. That alone has made him a central figure here.”
The Senate has not issued a formal statement on the confrontation, but insiders say leadership may move to address the incident to prevent further escalation.
