UN Order for Release OF Nnamdi Kanu

_Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Urges President Tinubu to Implement UN Order for Release_

Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to implement the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group’s directive to release Kanu. The UNHRC issued this order in July 2022, instructing the Nigerian government to free Kanu and provide compensation for his arrest and rendition from Kenya.

Ejimakor emphasized that Nigeria, as a member of international treaties and organizations, is obligated to comply with the UN’s directives. He stressed that President Tinubu should not follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who ignored the UN’s orders.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021. Ejimakor pointed out that Kanu’s detention lacks legal justification and has subjected him to immense hardship for three and a half years

The lawyer clarified that President Tinubu does not require a court order to release Kanu, emphasizing the importance of implementing the UN’s decision promptly. Ejimakor’s plea seeks to uphold Nigeria’s commitment to international law and ensure Kanu’s long-overdue freedom.

The UNHRC’s Working Group directed the Nigerian government to release Kanu in July 2022. This directive also included providing compensation for Kanu’s arrest and rendition. Nigeria’s membership in international organizations obliges the country to comply with such directives.

Nnamdi Kanu has been detained since June 2021, despite the UN’s order for his release. His lawyer argues that his continued detention lacks legal justification and has caused undue hardship.

Ejimakor’s appeal to President Tinubu emphasizes the importance of upholding Nigeria’s commitment to international law and ensuring Kanu’s release. The lawyer urges the president to take prompt action, differing from his predecessor’s stance.

Referenece and Citations:

• RipplesNigeria – Kanu’s counsel  urges Tinubu to respect uns order to  release ipob leader
• Thesun – At  Ojukwu memorial lecture maku calls for Kanu’s release
• PUNCH – respect 2022 UN order to release  Nnamdi Kanu counsel tells Tinubu