Israeli Lobbyist Seeks Global Attention For Nnamdi Kanu’s Case

An Israeli lobbyist, Heidi Moses, has called for greater international attention to the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a television interview in Israel.

Moses, who said she represents the Biafran cause at the Israeli Knesset, raised the issue while responding to questions on Britain’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and possible sanctions against Israel.

In the interview, a video of which is circulating online, Moses linked the Biafran agitation to Britain’s colonial history in Nigeria and accused the British government of playing a role in the political arrangement that created Nigeria.

“I want to talk about the hypocrisy of Britain. I represent Biafra at the Knesset,” she said.

Moses alleged that the Biafran region had suffered violence and loss of lives, while also referring to claims by some Jewish religious figures in Israel about alleged links between some Biafrans and the biblical tribe of Gad.

She said she had taken a delegation she described as representing Biafra to the Israeli parliament, where they met some members of the Knesset.

According to her, the lawmakers included Limor Son Har-Melech, Nissim Vaturi and Afif Abed.

Moses claimed that the lawmakers expressed interest in the Biafran question and subsequently sent letters to the United Nations concerning Kanu’s detention.

“They also sent letters to the UN concerning the arbitrary detention of the leader of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” she said.

Kanu, a prominent advocate of Biafran self-determination, was prosecuted by the Nigerian government over activities linked to his separatist campaign.

He was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on treason-related offences and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is currently serving his sentence in Sokoto.

Moses, however, disputed the basis of Kanu’s imprisonment, alleging that he was detained because of his political views and advocacy for Biafran independence.

“He was kidnapped and jailed only because of his views, only because he wants to free his people,” she said.

Her claims contrast with the Nigerian government’s position and the outcome of Kanu’s criminal trial, which resulted in his conviction and life sentence.

Moses also criticised Britain’s historical role in Nigeria, arguing that its colonial policies contributed to the political structure that remains contested by Biafran separatists.

“Who gave this mandate to the Nigerians? The British government,” she said.

She urged greater international scrutiny of the Biafran question, arguing that the issue should receive attention alongside other international conflicts.

“We must break this silence and tell the world what is happening in Biafra,” she said.

Moses also referred to remarks attributed to United States President Donald Trump concerning security challenges in Nigeria, claiming that the United States had indicated a willingness to provide military assistance.

She, however, did not provide details or evidence during the interview to substantiate the claim.