The United Nations has asked the Nigerian government to immediately and unconditionally release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and compensate him for the arbitrary violation of his fundamental human rights.
The directive follows the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s conclusion that Nigeria and Kenya were involved in the arrest and extraordinary rendition, torture as well as continued detention of Kanu without due process.
At its 93rd session held between March 30 – April 8, 2022, the UN arm also recommended that government officials responsible for the torture meted out to the IPOB leader be investigated and punished accordingly..
Before referring the case of Kanu’s torture to the special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for further consideration, the UN body directed Nigeria to report back to it within six months of the transmission of its opinions on Kanu’s matter with the steps it has taken to comply with all the recommendations thereof.
Kanu was a victim of state persecution as Nigeria failed to provide convincing explanations with proof that he is guilty of treason and other criminal allegations preferred against him, the UN arm said in the report.
Both Nigeria and Kenya are parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Kanu’s family has welcomed the UN recommendations, describing the report as victory for freedom fighters.
