Report to the British Prime Minister and House of Lords Regarding the Abandonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Nigerian Detention
To: The Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
X Handle: @Keir_Starmer
Cc: The House of Lords, United Kingdom
X Handle: @UKHouseofLords
Subject: Urgent Appeal for Action on the Detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a British Citizen
Date: February 9, 2025
Dear Hon. Sir Keir Starmer and Members of the House of Lords,
It is with great concern that I bring to your attention the prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a British citizen, by the Nigerian government. This situation represents not only a violation of Mr. Kanu’s human rights but also raises questions about the commitment of the British government to protect and uphold the rights of its citizens abroad.
Background
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for self-determination in southeastern Nigeria. As a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Mr. Kanu was arrested in June 2021 under controversial circumstances described as extraordinary rendition, which violates international law. He has since been held in solitary confinement by the Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS), despite multiple court rulings ordering his release.
Violations of Rights
1. Unlawful Detention: Nigerian courts, including the Court of Appeal, have ruled that Mr. Kanu’s detention is illegal, yet these rulings have been ignored by the Nigerian authorities.
2. Torture and Inhumane Treatment: Reports from IPOB legal representatives indicate that Mr. Kanu has been subjected to poor detention conditions, which amount to psychological and physical torture.
3. Denial of Consular Access: Despite his status as a British citizen, Mr. Kanu has been denied consistent access to British consular support, further compounding his plight.
British Government’s Duty
As a citizen of the United Kingdom, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is entitled to the full protection of Her Majesty’s Government, as enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963). The lack of decisive action from the British government undermines the trust that citizens place in their nation to protect them, regardless of where they are.
Appeal for Immediate Action
1. Demand Compliance: The British government must demand that Nigeria complies with its court orders and international human rights obligations by releasing Mr. Kanu unconditionally.
2. Provide Consular Support: Ensure that Mr. Kanu receives regular visits and assistance from British consular officials.
3. Engage Diplomatically: Leverage diplomatic channels to press Nigeria to resolve this issue swiftly and fairly.
4. Advocate for Rule of Law: Reaffirm the UK’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its citizens from arbitrary detention, regardless of the political complexities involved.
Public Sentiment and Repercussions
The prolonged silence and perceived inaction by the UK government have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and the global community. This situation could erode public confidence in the UK’s foreign policy and its ability to defend its citizens abroad.
Conclusion
As the Prime Minister and custodians of the British legal and moral compass, you have an obligation to act decisively on this matter. The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a blight on the principles of justice and human rights that the United Kingdom stands for. Your immediate intervention is not just a moral necessity but a legal duty.
I trust that this report will prompt swift and decisive action to ensure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the restoration of his fundamental rights.
Yours sincerely,
Elochukwu Nicholas Ohagi
Philosopher, Teacher and Activist, 2025.
