Israeli MP: Pushes UN Resolution for Nnamdi Kanu's Release

• An Israeli parliamentarian, Danny Danon, is seeking a UN resolution for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's release, despite his conviction and life sentence in Nigeria.
• This initiative is based on a July 2022 recommendation by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which declared Kanu's detention arbitrary and called for his immediate, unconditional release and compensation.
• The UN Working Group found violations of Kanu's rights to a fair trial, liberty, and protection from torture, stemming from his June 2021 abduction in Kenya.
• Domestic calls for Kanu's release continue from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release him to promote peace and security.
• Kanu's legal team has filed a suit in Nigeria's Federal High Court to enforce the UN opinion, seeking his release, compensation, an apology, and a review of anti-terrorism laws and IPOB's proscription.

An Israeli parliamentarian is actively pursuing a United Nations resolution aimed at securing the freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

An Israeli parliamentarian is actively pursuing a United Nations resolution aimed at securing the freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This initiative comes despite Kanu's recent conviction and life sentence handed down by a Nigerian court on charges of treasonable felony and terrorism. The global calls for his release have persisted since his sentencing, highlighting ongoing international scrutiny of his detention.

Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations and a member of the Likud Party, has formally written to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. In his communication, Danon urged the Secretary-General to facilitate the implementation of a key recommendation made by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning Kanu's case. This move by the Israeli diplomat underscores the growing international advocacy for Kanu, adding significant diplomatic weight to the campaign for his release.

The basis for the Israeli MP's appeal stems from a comprehensive report issued by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in July 2022, identified as A/HRC/WGAD/2022/26. This influential body concluded that Kanu's detention was arbitrary, citing multiple violations of international human rights law. Specifically, the Working Group found breaches of Kanu's right to a fair trial, his right to liberty, and the prohibition of torture or ill-treatment, particularly in relation to his abduction in Kenya in June 2021.

Following its investigation, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued a clear recommendation for Kanu's immediate and unconditional release. Furthermore, the group advised that Kanu should be compensated for the period of his arbitrary detention. These findings and recommendations form a critical component of the international legal framework being leveraged by advocates seeking Kanu's freedom, placing direct pressure on Nigeria to comply with international human rights standards.

Beyond international efforts, significant domestic pressure for Kanu's release continues, notably from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization. Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, issued a statement from Abuja, directly appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Kanu. The organization argues that such a move would significantly promote peace, enhance security, and foster national unity within Nigeria.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has cautioned that Kanu's continued detention risks exacerbating insecurity, particularly in the Southeast region. In November 2023, a high-level delegation from the organization, including former governors, ex-ministers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, met with President Tinubu to press for Kanu's release. During this meeting, President Tinubu indicated a willingness to explore political solutions, though he stipulated that Kanu's release must occur through a judicial process.

Kanu's legal representatives maintain that the opinion rendered by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is legally binding, asserting that Nigeria, as a signatory to various international human rights instruments, is obligated to comply with its recommendations. A suit filed by Kanu's lawyers at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a judicial order for his unconditional release, was dismissed on July 1, 2024.

The suit filed by Kanu's legal team also demanded several other remedies, including compensation and an official apology from the Nigerian government. Furthermore, they are seeking orders for an investigation into his abduction and the prosecution of those responsible. The legal action also seeks a comprehensive review of Nigeria's anti-terrorism laws and challenges the proscription of IPOB and the declaration of both IPOB and Kanu himself as terrorist entities, underscoring a broad challenge to the legal framework surrounding his case.

This development signals continued international scrutiny and pressure on Nigeria regarding Nnamdi Kanu's detention, despite his domestic conviction. Lawyers practicing human rights or international law in Nigeria should monitor such international interventions, as they can influence diplomatic relations, potential appeals, or future legal strategies concerning high-profile cases with human rights dimensions.

Source: Original reporting via ThisDayLive