IPOB challenges UK over detention of British citizen, Kanu

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a press statement calling on the British Government to explain its position on the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.

In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB said Kanu is a British citizen and questioned why the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not intervened, citing the FCDO’s policy that intervention may be required where internationally accepted standards are not met or where there is unreasonable delay in legal proceedings.

The group raised five questions for the British Government: On his transfer from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, which it described as extraordinary rendition, referencing UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 25/2022.

On how his continued detention relates to the Court of Appeal judgment of October 13, 2022 which discharged him.

The group also raised concerns on his conviction of November 20,  2025, arguing it was under repealed legislation and contrary to Section 36(12) of Nigeria’s Constitution. The statement also said a Supreme Court judgment relied upon to continue proceedings is being challenged as delivered per incuriam.

Also, it inquired on how a conviction can stand on charges that include counts previously discharged by the Court of Appeal and as well as on the delay in hearing his pending appeal.

The statement argued that diplomatic engagement on issues of due process and judicial delay is a legitimate consular function and not interference in Nigeria’s judicial independence.

IPOB’s stated demand is for Britain to use its diplomatic leverage to press Nigeria to list and hear Kanu’s pending appeal and all associated suits without further delay.

The group said failure to demand, at least, a prompt hearing amounts to “active complicity.”