NNAMDI KANU TO BE RELEASED SOON...

The United Nations, UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, has commanded both Nigeria and Kenya Governments to release the  Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 

UN therefore, asked Nigerian Government to, “immediate release Kanu unconditionally” and pay him all the adequate compensations for the arbitrary violation of his fundamental human rights.

The UN Working Group also threatened to take actions to ensure the recommendations are complied with, noting that both Nigeria and Kenya are signatories to the Convention and should comply to the directives.

In accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group, on December 30, 2021, transmitted to the Nigeria and Kenya Governments, a communication concerning MR NNAMDI KANU.

The Working Group said in their report that Mr Kanu was a victim of State persecution as Nigeria failed to provide convincing explanations with proof that he is guilty of any treason and other criminal allegations  against him.

“In the present case, the Government of Nigeria has presented no exceptions permitted under article 19 (3) of the Covenant nor is there any evidence to suggest that Mr. Kanu’s exercise of his right to freedom of opinion and expression was anything but peaceful.

The Working Group also said there was no evidence if any International laws were observed in the arrest, rendition of Kanu from Kenya and detention in Nigeria.

The 16-page dossier read in part: “In the present case, Mr. Kanu was not furnished with an arrest warrant by Nigerian

authorities nor was he promptly informed of the grounds for his arrest in Nigeria.

Consequently, the Working Group finds that Mr. Kanu’s continued deprivation of liberty,violates his rights under articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant, and principles 2, 4, and 10 of the Body of Principles and constitutes arbitrary detention under category I.”

“Therefore, detention pending trial must be based on an individualised determination that it is reasonable and necessary for such purposes as to prevent flight, interference with evidence or the recurrence of crime. Such determination was not carried out in the present case, in violation of Mr. Kanu’s rights under article 9 (3) of the Covenant.

The UN Working Group said that both the Nigerian and Kenyan Governments should take responsibility for Kanu’s rights violations.

“The Working Group notes that it is not contested that Mr. Kanu is accused of the crime of conspiracy to commit a treasonable felony through an agreement with others to be broadcast from London, in view of the establishment of a Biafran sovereignty. The source notes that, while treason consists of “levying war” against Nigeria under Nigerian law, the Federal Government of Nigeria does not allege any action implicating Mr. Kanu in the contemplation, planning, or incitement of war against Nigeria. The source argues that

Mr. Kanu was in fact advocating for a peaceful referendum for the establishment of a Biafran sovereignty, in conformity with international and other relevant laws.

The UN Working Group further said that the Nigeria Government could not disprove claims by Kanu that he was denied effective legal representation including access to his US lawyer.