IPOB: What Nnamdi Kanu told US, UK about his trial, makes fresh demand

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has formally reached out to several foreign embassies situated in Nigeria regarding his ongoing detention.

In his plea, Kanu is calling on these international bodies to exert influence on the Nigerian government to honor the principles of constitutional supremacy and uphold the concepts of “stare decisis” and the rule of law throughout his legal proceedings.

The petition was directed to a wide array of recipients, including notable nations and organizations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, the European Union, the ECOWAS Court, as well as countries like Kenya, South Africa, Norway, Denmark, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria.

Additionally, it was sent to humanitarian organizations like Amnesty International and the Red Cross, among others.

In the document, which was signed by IPOB’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, on behalf of Kanu, the statement highlights the urgency of the situation.

It reads in part, “Through this letter, I respectfully implore your immediate intervention to compel the Nigerian government to adhere to its own legal framework, respect the principles of stare decisis, and uphold the constitutional supremacy mandated by the 1999 Constitution.”

“The Supreme Court’s lawlessness, compounded by the Court of Appeal’s illegal stay of execution, undermines the rule of law, and I seek your assistance to restore justice.

“Prayer for Relief, I respectfully request Urgent Intervention: Demanding that Nigeria comply with Abacha v. State and Ejiofor v. FRN by enforcing the Court of Appeal’s discharge retroactively to October 13, 2022, nullifying my arbitrary detention, declaring the October 28, 2022 stay illegal, and securing my immediate release.

“Condemning Judicial Lawlessness: Declare the Supreme Court’s reversal and the Court of Appeal’s stay violations of stare decisis, constitutional supremacy, and ICCPR/ECHR protections.

“Holding the UK Accountable: Invoke R (Evans) to compel emergency diplomatic action, including Magnitsky sanctions against complicit Nigerian officials.

Escalate Internationally: Support referral to the ECOWAS Court, African Court, or ICC if Nigeria refuses compliance.

“The Supreme Court’s December 15, 2023 reversal, compounded by the Court of Appeal’s illegal stay of execution on October 28, 2022, represents a systemic collapse of the rule of law in Nigeria. My 14-month arbitrary detention, enabled by UK inaction, exposes discriminatory neglect and judicial lawlessness.

“Your urgent intervention is critical to halt my persecution, uphold constitutional governance, and prevent my possible death in custody.”