More Questions Than Answers on Nigerian Biafra Leader's Arrest

The UK government has asked the Nigeria government to explain where and how Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)  - who holds British citizenship - was arrested. His lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said that Kanu was detained and mistreated in Kenya before being turned over to Nigerian authorities. Kanu was on the run for four years until he was brought to court in Abuja on June 29, 2021, and told he would stand trial. The Nigerian authorities have refused to confirm where Kanu was arrested, while Kenya's ambassador to Nigeria Tom Amolo, has denied his country was involved. Kanu will face 11 charges that include treason, terrorism, and the illegal possession of firearms. 

The Republic of Biafra, was a secessionist state in West Africa, in the eastern region of Nigeria. The Republic was formed as a result of the Igbo people seeking independence from Nigeria. This led to the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 -1970, after the Biafra declared its independence. The Biafra was eventually defeated and Nigeria reunited the two states. 

InFocus

Nnamdi Kanu (file photo).

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.