Nnamdi Kanu: Read Full Statement Of World Igbo Congress On Arrest Of Pro-Biafra Group Leader By Nigerian Govt

The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has described as “abduction” the rearrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The group said in a statement on Wednesday that Kanu is being treated worse than Boko Haram members, and urged the federal government to protect his fundamental human rights.

Recall that Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), said on Tuesday that Kanu was “intercepted through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and Security Services.”

“He has been brought back to Nigeria in order to continue facing trial after disappearing, while on bail regarding a 12-count charge against him,” Malami added.

Now, in a statement signed by Basil Onwukwe and Anthony Ejiofor, WIC spokesperson and chairman respectively, the group said Kanu’s treatment “raises the spectre of illegal abduction and international gangsterism that violates the spirit of the process of extradition.”

“The world has taken notice of the disparity in the treatment of Boko Haram insurgents and Fulani herdsmen who have been designated as terrorists by known international agencies,” it said. 

It also called on the UK government to “stand up and defend the rights” of Kanu, who is also a British citizen.

Read World Igbo Congress’ full statement as it concerns Nnamdi Kanu below:

World Igbo Congress (WIC) has been briefed on the abduction and arraignment of Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria and that court hearing is scheduled for July 26, 2021.

It has also been confirmed to us that Nnamdi Kanu, a British citizen, was abducted in a country other than the United Kingdom to which he travelled on British passport.

Consequently, this raises the specter of illegal abduction and international gangsterism that violates the spirit of the process of extradition. World Igbo Congress, therefore, calls on:

1. The Nigerian Government to ensure that Nnamdi Kanu is treated in accordance with the rules and international conventions that guarantee that his rights and personal safety are protected.

2. The British government to stand up and defend the right of her citizen. The UK government needs to investigate the collusion of any other country or party in this saga.

3. The government of the US, the UN and the international community to take note of the ongoing abuse of human rights in Nigeria including this matter of abduction of Nnamdi Kanu.

4. The Igbo at home and abroad to see this as a continuation of the different strokes for different folks, which has characterized the approach of the current administration of the Federal Government of Nigeria in dealing with national issues.

5. All Igbo worldwide to remain calm. The rights of the Igbo must be protected and the Igbo cannot be subjugated forever.