The UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has brought charges against the governments of Nigeria and Kenya for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s wrongful arrest, extraordinary rendition, torture, and ongoing detention. Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The UN subsequently demanded that Nigeria’s government immediately free Kanu unconditionally and make restitution for the wilful violation of his fundamental human rights.
The inquiry and prosecution of the government officials who tortured the IPOB Leader were also supported by this statement.
After conveying its conclusions about Kanu’s case, the UN panel further urged Nigeria to report back on the steps taken to implement all of its recommendations within six months.
It sent Kanu’s case to the Special Rapporteur on torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment for further investigation.
The UN Working Group also pledged to take additional steps to ensure that the recommendations are followed, pointing out that both Kenya and Nigeria have signed the Convention and should follow suit.