Nnamdi Kanu Arrest: Igbo Union Accuses Nigerian Govt of Turning Kenya Into Human Hunting Ground

A pan-Igbo socio-cultural and humanitarian body, Ndi-Igbo Worldwide Union (NIWU), has accused the Nigerian Government of turning the Republic of Kenya into what it described as a “human hunting ground” following the arrest and extraordinary rendition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ben Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzo, and released to journalists on Wednesday, the group explained that its formation was driven by the urgent need to confront critical challenges affecting Igbo people globally. According to NIWU, this became necessary due to what it termed prolonged silence and inaction by individuals and institutions entrusted with defending Igbo interests.

The organization identified the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu as a clear illustration of what it described as systemic injustice and long-standing marginalization of the Igbo ethnic group within the Nigerian state. NIWU strongly criticized the development, insisting that the continued detention of the IPOB leader reflects a deep disregard for justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

Condemning the manner of Kanu’s arrest, the group demanded his immediate and unconditional release. It accused the Nigerian Government of breaching Kenya’s sovereignty by orchestrating his arrest and rendition outside established legal and diplomatic frameworks. NIWU argued that Nigeria’s actions amounted to an extraterritorial border violation, which undermines international law and human rights conventions.

In its words, the union stated that the conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, leader of IPOB, represents another instance of alleged abuse and violation of fundamental human rights by the Nigerian state. The group maintained that Kanu’s trial lacked proper jurisdiction and that the judgment was founded on legal provisions unfamiliar to established jurisprudence, a situation that has fueled public debates symbolized by the phrase, “show me the law.”

NIWU further condemned, in strong and unequivocal terms, what it described as the kidnapping, alleged torture, and extraordinary rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria. The group asserted that through this single act, Nigeria effectively transformed a sovereign nation into a space where individuals could be hunted beyond national borders, without due consideration for the seriousness of such international crimes.

The union rejected Kanu’s conviction in its entirety, emphasizing that its position was anchored strictly on principles of justice, legality, and respect for the rule of law. It also lamented what it referred to as selective justice in Nigeria, pointing out that several court rulings favorable to Kanu have reportedly been ignored by the Federal Government.

NIWU referenced multiple judicial decisions, including the Abia State Federal High Court ruling of January 19, 2022, which reportedly found the Nigerian state culpable in the 2017 invasion of Kanu’s residence. It also cited another ruling from the same court concerning the extraordinary rendition of Kanu from Kenya. Additionally, the group recalled an Enugu State High Court judgment that declared the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization unconstitutional, as well as a Supreme Court ruling delivered in December 2023.

The organization called the attention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to Kanu’s situation, stressing that the association bears a shared responsibility in safeguarding the rights of citizens and upholding constitutional protections under the law.

However, NIWU issued a stern warning to certain Igbo elites, accusing them of exploiting the present challenges facing the Igbo people for personal political relevance. The group cautioned that history and the land itself would not forget such actions.

Addressing Igbo youths, NIWU stated that the younger generation has not failed their people. Instead, it accused some political leaders and elders of disappointing the youth by allegedly sacrificing their future for individual political ambitions. The group assured that such a trend would not be allowed to continue and encouraged young men and women to persist in pursuing their rights through lawful means.

Beyond Kanu’s case, NIWU also expressed concern over what it described as the absence of meaningful federal presence in the South-East region. According to the group, the area has been sidelined in critical national development projects, including railway infrastructure, seaport development, cargo airline services, and national gas pipeline networks.

The union further accused the Federal Government of deliberately ignoring the security challenges faced by Christians, particularly Igbos and other moderate religious communities, who it said have been subjected to attacks by extremist groups across different parts of the country.

NIWU also lamented the state of Nigerian correctional facilities, alleging that prisons are overcrowded with Igbo youths detained on what it described as unverified and trumped-up allegations of involvement with IPOB or the Eastern Security Network (ESN). According to the group, many of these detainees are held without trial despite having committed no criminal offense.