UK to FG: Explain circumstances of Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest

Sequel to the alleged abduction of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya and his alleged rendition to Nigeria and continued detention by the Department of State Service, DSS, the United Kingdom (UK) has asked Nigeria to explain where and how the  separatist leader who holds British citizenship was arrested.

Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi  Ejiofor had alleged that his client was detained and maltreated in Kenya before being sent back to Nigeria, Reuters has reported.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who has been agitating for secession of Biafra was on the run outside Nigeria for four  years following attack on his country home at Afra-Ukwu, in Abia State  by security forces until he was brought to court in Abuja on June 29 and told he would face trial.

“We are seeking clarification from the Nigerian government about the circumstances of the arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu,” said Tariq Ahmad, a junior minister at Britain’s Foreign Office.”

The Nigerian authorities have refused to say where Kanu was arrested, while Kenya’s ambassador to Nigeria has denied his country was involved.

But responding to a question about Kanu’s case from a lawmaker, Ahmad said Britain had requested consular access to Kanu and stood ready to provide consular assistance.

A spokesman for Nigeria’s Department of State Service, the security agency that is holding Kanu, could not immediately be reached for comment yesterday, a public holiday in Nigeria.

Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, alleged he was abducted by Kenya’s special police force and held for eight days before being handed over to Nigerian authorities.