Nnamdi Kanu is British, not Nigerian, Britain must ensure his immediate release – Kingsley Kanu

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Kingsley Kanu, younger brother of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, has disclosed that the separatist leader was arrested in the East African nation of Kenya.

This is even as he strongly condemned Kenya’s cooperation with Nigeria in apprehending Kanu, describing it as a violation of international law that deserves punishment for both countries.

Kingsley Kanu in a statement issued today, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, also requested the British Government to urgently intervene and secure freedom for his brother, who is a British citizen.

Kingsley Kanu said: “My brother Nnamdi Kanu demands the right to self-determination for Biafra. Self-determination is the right to that underpins the United Nations.

“Because Biafrans support Nnamdi Kanu’s call for Biafran self-determination, my brother has now been subjected to the most serious violations of international law.”

Kingsley said that his brother was nabbed while visiting Kenya, detained and handed over to the Nigerian authorities who then flew him to Nigeria.

His words: “My brother has been subject to extraordinary rendition by Kenya and Nigeria. They have violated the most basic principles of the rule of law. Extraordinary rendition is one of the most serious crimes states can commit. Both Nigeria and Kenya must be held to account.

“I demand justice for my brother, Nnamdi Kanu.

“Nnamdi Kanu holds both British and Nigerian citizenship. Nnamdi Kanu is Biafran, not Nigerian. He has rejected his Nigerian citizenship.

“The British High Commission in Nigeria must insist upon my brother’s immediate release. They must guarantee his safety and security. Nnamdi Kanu must be returned home to the UK to his wife and his sons who live here.

“The Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, must make clear to the Nigerian authorities that they will not tolerate the unlawful detention of British citizens and that the UK Government condemns the Nigerians and Kenyans for undermining the rule of law. Foreign Secretary Raab must be clear. There will be consequences for those who resort to extraordinary rendition. The British Government must insist upon justice for Nnamdi Kanu.”