The High Court in Nairobi, Kenya, has ruled in favour of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, declaring that his abduction and transfer from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021 was illegal and a serious violation of his human rights.
Justice E.C. Mwita, who delivered the judgement, said the actions of both the Kenyan and Nigerian governments in Kanu’s arrest and rendition (forcible transfer) were unconstitutional and unlawful. The court awarded Kanu 10 million Kenyan Shillings, which is about ₦119 million Naira, as compensation for the illegal treatment he received.
What Happened?
In June 2021, Nnamdi Kanu, who had entered Kenya legally as a British citizen, was reportedly abducted at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. He was then held in secret, tortured, denied food and medication, and eventually flown to Nigeria in a private jet — all without any legal process or court order.
Court Ruling
Justice Mwita ruled that:
- Kanu was abducted and held incommunicado (no communication with anyone).
- He was chained, tortured, and treated inhumanely.
- He was removed from Kenya without any legal or judicial approval.
- His rights under the Kenyan Constitution were violated.
The judge stated clearly that Kanu was entitled to protection under Kenyan law and that the government failed in its duty. The court ordered that 10 million Kenyan Shillings be paid to Kanu by the Kenyan government through its Attorney General as compensation for the illegal actions.
IPOB Reacts
In a statement issued by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group welcomed the ruling, calling it a “landmark victory” and a “judicial earthquake.” They praised the courage of Justice Mwita and the legal leadership of Professor PLO Lumumba, who led Kanu’s legal team in Kenya.
IPOB insisted that the court ruling confirms their long-standing position — that what happened to Kanu was not a legal extradition but a criminal act of extraordinary rendition. They described it as a case of “state-sponsored international terrorism.”
The group also accused past and present Nigerian leaders — including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Osinbajo, President Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Shettima — of trying to cover up the incident by lobbying Kenya’s government and judiciary.
What Next?
IPOB said this judgement is just the beginning of a global campaign for justice, promising to hold all those responsible accountable, both in Kenya and Nigeria. They vowed to pursue justice through international legal means, and called on Western countries, especially the UK (since Kanu is a British citizen), to stop turning a blind eye.
This ruling marks a major turn in Kanu’s legal battle and strengthens IPOB’s claims of illegal treatment and political persecution of their leader. It also raises questions about the international handling of such cases involving human rights and cross-border justice.
