Nnamdi Kanu: Igbo Union Accuses Nigerian Government of Transforming Kenya into a Human Hunting Ground

Introduction
Formation of NIWU
Injustice and Marginalization
Demands for Release
Selective Justice
Call to Action
Federal Presence
Persecution of Christians
Imprisonment of Igbo Youths

A pan-Igbo socio-cultural advocacy and humanitarian organization, Ndi-Igbo Worldwide Union (NIWU), has stated that the Nigerian Government has transformed Kenya into a site for human trafficking with the arrest and extradition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Ben Nwankwo, and secretary, Chief Charlse Edemuzo, and shared with journalists on Wednesday, NIWU announced that the group's formation was prompted by the need to address critical issues affecting the Igbo people worldwide, “in light of the silence and inaction of those in positions of responsibility.”

The organization cited the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu as a clear example of the injustice and marginalization faced by the Igbo people in Nigeria.

Condemning these actions, NIWU called for the immediate release of the IPOB leader, accusing the Nigerian government of infringing upon Kenya's sovereignty during Kanu's arrest.

According to NIWU, Nigeria committed an extraterritorial crime in Kanu’s arrest and extradition.

The statement remarked, “Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been convicted in a manner that exemplifies the abuse and violation of fundamental human rights by the Nigerian state. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s trial lacked jurisdiction. His conviction was based on laws that are not recognized, hence the popular phrase, ‘Omotosho show me the law’.”

“Ndi-Igbo Worldwide Union takes this opportunity to firmly condemn, in the strongest terms, the kidnapping, torture, and extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.

“Through this single act, Nigeria has turned the sovereign nation of Kenya into a human hunting ground, with little regard for the seriousness of the extraterritorial crime committed. We categorically reject Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction, which stands against justice and the rule of law.”

The pan-Igbo group expressed concern over what it termed selective justice in Nigeria, highlighting that court rulings in favor of Kanu were disregarded by the Federal Government.

The organization referenced the Abia State Federal High Court ruling of January 19, 2022, which found the Nigerian state guilty for the invasion of Kanu’s home in 2017, along with another ruling regarding Kanu's extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria. It also mentioned an Enugu State High Court ruling that declared the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court ruling of December 2023.

The group urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to pay attention to Kanu’s situation, emphasizing that the association has a duty to safeguard the rights of all citizens under the law.

However, NIWU cautioned that justice will ultimately prevail against Igbo elites who have “capitalized on this troubling time for our people to seek political relevance.”

“The land will not forget you. To our young men and women (our proud future generation), you have not let us down; rather, it is your political leaders and some elders among us who have disappointed you. They have traded your future for their political gain. This will not continue – we assure you. We encourage you to keep fighting for your rights under the law,” the group added.

NIWU also expressed concern over the lack of federal presence in the South-East, noting that the central government has marginalized the region in significant national development initiatives, including railway lines, seaports, cargo airline services, and national gas pipelines, among others.

The pan-Igbo organization further accused the Nigerian government of deliberately ignoring the persecution of Christians, primarily Igbos and other moderate religious groups, by Muslim extremists across the country.

They also lamented that “Nigerian prisons are overcrowded with Igbo youths, numbering in the hundreds and thousands, based on unsubstantiated and fabricated charges as members of IPOB or ESN.”

According to the group, many of the Igbo youths who are languishing in jail without trial are innocent of any crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ndi-Igbo Worldwide Union (NIWU)?

NIWU is a pan-Igbo socio-cultural advocacy and humanitarian organization focused on addressing issues concerning the Igbo people globally.

Why is NIWU condemning the Nigerian Government's actions regarding Nnamdi Kanu?

NIWU condemns the Nigerian Government for the arrest and extradition of Nnamdi Kanu, viewing it as a violation of human rights and a breach of Kenya's sovereignty.

What actions does NIWU demand regarding Nnamdi Kanu?

NIWU demands the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and rejects his conviction, which they believe is unjust and without legal standing.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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