In a landmark ruling with significant international implications, the High Court in Nairobi, Kenya, has declared the abduction, detention, and forced rendition of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights.
Justice Mwita Slams Both Nigerian and Kenyan Governments
Delivering a 13-page judgment on June 24, 2025, Justice E.C. Mwita ruled that the Kenyan and Nigerian governments violated the constitutional rights of Kanu during the controversial operation in June 2021. The court awarded Kanu 10 million Kenyan shillings (₦119.5 million) in general damages, payable by the Attorney General of Kenya on behalf of the government.
- “Mr. Nnamdi Kanu was abducted, kept in solitary confinement, tortured, and denied food and medication… He was chained, humiliated, ridiculed, and held in contempt,” Justice Mwita stated.
The judge added that Kanu entered Kenya lawfully and was therefore entitled to the constitutional protection guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution of 2010.
Court Declares Kanu’s Abduction a Violation of International Law
The court issued the following declarations:
Kanu’s abduction, incommunicado detention, torture, and denial of basic needs violated his fundamental human rights.
- That his forcible removal from Kenya to Nigeria was unlawful and unconstitutional.
- The Kenyan government is liable for damages and must compensate Kanu for the violations.
- IPOB Reacts: A Landmark Victory for Justice and International Law
Reacting to the ruling, IPOB described the judgment as a “judicial earthquake” that vindicates its long-standing claim that Kanu’s arrest and rendition were acts of state-sponsored international terrorism.
In a statement signed by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group hailed the decision as a “historic, courageous, and landmark judgment”, thanking lead counsel Professor P.L.O. Lumumba for his role in the legal battle.
“This verdict places a permanent and indelible legal stain on the records of former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Muhammadu Buhari, and their accomplices,” IPOB declared.
The group accused high-ranking Nigerian leaders—including former Vice President Osinbajo, President Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Shettima—of attempting to manipulate Kenya’s judiciary to legitimize Kanu’s rendition.
Beginning of a Global Accountability Campaign
IPOB vowed to launch a global accountability campaign, pursuing all responsible parties under international law for crimes against humanity.
“To Justice E.C. Mwita, we say thank you for your judicial bravery. To P.L.O. Lumumba and his team, we salute your exceptional advocacy… To the oppressed peoples of the world, this is your victory,” the group stated.
Background: The 2021 Extraordinary Rendition
In June 2021, Nnamdi Kanu was abducted in Nairobi, allegedly by Nigerian security agents in collaboration with rogue elements of Kenya’s security services. He was reportedly tortured, denied medical care, and forcibly flown to Abuja, Nigeria, without due legal process or extradition hearing.
The case has drawn global condemnation and triggered widespread calls for his release and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his rendition.
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Conclusion
The ruling by the Kenyan High Court marks a turning point in the legal and diplomatic struggle surrounding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. It sets a precedent for human rights accountability across borders and strengthens the legal argument for his release in Nigeria.
Stay with NaijaBlogDaily for continuous coverage on Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB legal developments, international human rights, and Nigerian judicial updates.
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