UK demand clarification from Nigeria over Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest

Post created on 12:19 pm

The UK government is seeking clarification on circumstances under which the Nigerian government extradited Nnamdi Kanu, a dual national of both countries, over crimes related to his secessionist movement.

Mr Kanu, the leader of the proscribed organisation Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was brought to Court in Nigeria on Wednesday after officials claimed they had arrested him in London, UK.

However, the British government has denied that the 53-year-old Kanu was arrested or extradited from the UK.

Mr Dean Hurlock, the Head of Communications of the British High Commission in Nigeria, said on Wednesday that the UK will seek clarification from Nigeria on the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest and extradition.

“We can reaffirm that Nnamdi Kanu was not arrested in the UK nor was he extradited from the UK.

“With regards to any questions about the possible legality of his arrest, the British High Commission in Abuja is currently in the process of seeking clarification from the Nigerian government about the circumstances of the arrest.”

The British Government said its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was ready to provide consular assistance to Kanu as it expected the trial of the Biafran separatist to follow due process.

His lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has formally applied to the Department of State Service (DSS), to allow them access to their client.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on June 29 ordered that Kanu be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services until July 26 when the case would he heard.