Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a dual citizen of Britain and Nigeria, has been behind bars since...
Firstly, the Illegal Rendition and Violations of his Fundamental Rights;
A Kenyan Judgment in (June 2025): The High Court in Nairobi determined that Kanu's abduction and transfer to Nigeria were unlawful, breaching Kenyan constitutional protections and international human rights standards. The court awarded him 10 million Kenyan shillings in compensation.
Again, in October 2022, a Federal High Court in Umuahia ruled that his rendition from Kenya was a serious violation of his fundamental rights under both Nigerian law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. The court ordered his return to Kenya and granted him 500 million Nigerian Naira in damages.
In January 2022, Justice Benson Anya ruled in Abia State that the 2017 invasion of Kanu's home was unlawful, awarding him N1 billion in damages.
These rulings from various jurisdictions highlight a significant infringement of Kanu's rights and bolster the argument that his detention is based on illegitimate grounds.
There are Legal Irregularities and Concerns Over Due Process. The Supreme Court Ruling in December 2023 stated that even while recognizing the illegal nature of the rendition, Nigeria's Supreme Court noted that such wrongdoing doesn't prevent criminal prosecution. It stressed that civil remedies are suitable but don't eliminate ongoing criminal proceedings. This was a clear case of irregularity.
The Ongoing Trial Under Scrutiny: Kanu's trial has faced numerous delays, with multiple judicial recusals and denied bail requests. His defence team argues that these disruptions have compromised procedural fairness. The legal situation indicates that, although the Supreme Court allows the trial to proceed, the very basis of the case is still marred by previous violations of rights.
For the sake of peace and equity, Human Rights Organizations have called for dialogue.
There are Calls for his Release by Stakeholders: A growing chorus of concern regarding his extended detention has emerged from human rights advocates, Governors from the Southeast, and political figures across the country. They stressed the importance of fair treatment and the potential for dialogue to help ease unrest.
Human Rights Violations and Medical Neglect: Kanu's brother has openly criticized the UK government for not exerting more pressure regarding Kanu's situation. He highlights the poor conditions of Kanu's detention and the inadequate medical care for his existing health issues. Keeping Kanu in such conditions could exacerbate grievances and escalate tensions in the already unstable southeastern region.
No Conviction—Only Pending Charges;
Presumption of Innocence. Kanu has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism and treason. Since no verdict has been reached, he is still presumed innocent according to both domestic and international legal standards.
The Case Status: As of mid-2025, he remains on trial amidst legal uncertainties and delays. With no conviction in sight, his continued detention seems excessive and legally questionable.
In Conclusion,
Considering the illegal nature of his rendition, multiple court rulings that confirm rights violations, ongoing procedural issues in his trial, and his status as someone who hasn't been convicted, there are strong arguments for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Releasing him would not only be in line with legal and human rights standards but also create a chance to encourage dialogue, restore trust in the judicial system, and help alleviate regional tensions.
Written by
Biafra Wise Man
Edited by
Oby M
For Enugu State Media Team
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