Bishop Kukah Visits Inmates At Sokoto Correctional Centre

As part of his annual Christmas outreach, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah visited inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Facility in Sokoto on Thursday. He was accompanied by priests, religious, and lay faithful from the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

According to Fr. Pascal Salifu, Director of Communications for the Sokoto Diocese, the visit was part of Bishop Kukah’s annual Christmas outreach, which he has been conducting for a long time.
He said, “contrary to the erroneous belief that Bishop Kukah went to visit IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, he only undertook his annual visit to the Correctional Centre, which predates the arrival of Nnamdi Kanu at the Centre.

“On arrival at the Correctional centre, the Bishop and his delegation were warmly received by the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sokoto State Command, alongside other officers on duty.

“During the visit, Bishop Kukah held extensive listening sessions with the inmates, meeting male and female inmates separately. The sessions lasted for about three hours, during which the Bishop attentively listened to the inmates’ experiences, challenges, and living conditions within the facility.

“Some inmates shared personal stories, including claims of innocence and concerns about prolonged detention despite not being found guilty. Many appealed to the Bishop to lend his voice to the Federal Government and relevant authorities, seeking possible pardon or a review of their cases,” Fr. Pascal stated.

The spokesperson for the inmates also appealed for improved amenities within the facility and requested support for skills acquisition, handwork, and vocational training, which would help inmates prepare for life after incarceration.

In his address, Bishop Kukah encouraged the inmates to use their time in custody as an opportunity for personal growth and renewal, so that upon reintegration into society, they would become positive agents of change.

He assured them of his commitment to engage relevant professionals responsible for correctional care and to advocate on their behalf with government authorities, especially in cases involving claims of innocence.

The visit concluded with prayers, words of encouragement, and renewed hope, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to standing with the marginalised and forgotten, particularly during the Christmas season.