The family of a British citizen detained in Nigeria has accused the UK government of ignoring his case. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been held in Nigeria since 2021 after an alleged case of extraordinary rendition. His brother, Kingsley Kanu, has called on the UK government to intervene and on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to protect British citizens abroad.
Who Is Nnamdi Kanu?
Nnamdi Kanu is a dual British-Nigerian national and the leader of IPOB, a separatist group advocating for an independent state of Biafra. He gained attention after launching Radio Biafra from his London home, which fueled protests in Nigeria. Nigerian authorities had been pursuing Kanu since 2015 due to his activism. In 2017, he fled Nigeria after a military raid on his residence, which resulted in the deaths of at least 28 IPOB members.
How Was Kanu Detained?
In 2021, Kanu was arrested in Kenya and transferred to Nigeria in what has been described as extraordinary rendition. Extraordinary rendition is the illegal transfer of a person between countries without proper legal procedures. His family, legal team, the United Nations, and a Nigerian court have all confirmed this unlawful transfer.
Following his arrest, Nigerian authorities charged Kanu with 15 offenses, including terrorism and treason. He pleaded not guilty, and some charges were dropped, but seven still stand.
UK Government’s Response
Kingsley Kanu has criticized the UK government for its lack of action in his brother’s case. Despite repeated appeals and a UK court recognizing the extraordinary rendition, the British government has not pressured Nigeria to release him. Kingsley urged Prime Minister Starmer to step in and “defend British citizens.”
The Foreign Office stated that they are providing consular support and have raised the issue with Nigerian authorities. However, the family argues that more direct action is needed.
Health and Living Conditions
Kanu is reportedly being held in solitary confinement under poor conditions. His family has raised concerns about his health, especially his untreated heart condition. They fear his prolonged detention without adequate medical care could have serious consequences.
What Could Happen Next?
The Nigerian Supreme Court recently upheld the ruling that Kanu was subject to extraordinary rendition. This decision could provide grounds for the UK government to intervene more assertively. The Kanu family remains hopeful that Starmer’s government will address the case more actively than previous administrations.
The case of Nnamdi Kanu has become a complex legal and diplomatic issue. His family continues to seek justice and calls on the UK government to act in his defense. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how governments handle similar cases of extraordinary rendition in the future.
| Visit for More News and Updates | WSOA NEWS |
