![Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.[PHOTO CREDIT: Ripples Nigeria]](https://crediblenewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Nnamdi-Kanu-.jpg)
A High Court of Kenya has declared the abduction and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 as unlawful and illegal.
The court also awarded compensatory damages of 10 million Kenyan shillings against the Kenyan Government for gross violations of Kanu’s fundamental human rights.
Presiding judge, Justice E.C. Mwita, in his judgment, faulted both the Nigerian and Kenyan governments for the extraordinary rendition of Nnamdi Kanu in gross violation of his constitutional rights.
According to Justice Mwita:
“Having considered the pleadings and arguments by parties, the decisions relied on, the Constitution and the law, I come to the following conclusions:
First, the government of Kenya violated the Constitution and Mr. Nnamdi Kanu’s rights and fundamental freedoms. Having entered Kenya lawfully, he was subject to the protection offered by the Constitution of Kenya 2010, and the government of Kenya had an obligation to uphold and protect his rights and fundamental freedoms.
Mr. Nnamdi was, however, abducted, kept in solitary confinement, tortured, and denied food and medication—a breach of basic rights. He was chained, humiliated, ridiculed, and held in contempt and later forcibly removed from Kenya without following the law, in violation of his rights and fundamental freedoms, for which the government of Kenya is liable.”
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The court issued three key declarations and orders namely that Kanu’s abduction, incommunicado detention, torture, and denial of basic needs were violations of his rights; that his forcible removal from Kenya to Nigeria was unconstitutional and illegal.and that he be awarded KSh10 million (about ₦94 million) in general damages against the Kenyan Government.
Meanwhile, IPOB described the judgment as a landmark victory, vindicating their long-standing position on the illegality of Kanu’s 2021 transfer.
Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesperson, said in a statement:
“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) announces a resounding judicial earthquake that has shaken the legal foundations of the rendition of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This courageous and historic ruling finds that his abduction and transfer were unlawful and unconstitutional, affirming our stance that this was not extradition but an act of extraordinary rendition.”
The statement praised Prof. PLO Lumumba, lead counsel in Kenya, and lauded Justice Mwita for withstanding political and diplomatic pressure.
Powerful added that Kanu’s treatment—abduction at Nairobi airport, chaining, torture, and forced transport to Abuja without hearing—was a gross breach of international and Kenyan laws. IPOB vowed to launch a global accountability campaign targeting all those involved, including former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Muhammadu Buhari, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami.
“This is the beginning of a global reckoning. Justice Mwita has shown judicial bravery. This ruling is a victory not just for Kanu or IPOB, but for oppressed peoples everywhere,” the statement read.
NewsExpress
