Group Advises UK On Kanu’s Arrest, Transfer To Sokoto Prison

A United States-based advocacy organisation, the Rising Sun Foundation, has called on the United Kingdom (UK) government to seek clarification from Nigerian authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest and transfer of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The group made the call in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its president, Dr Maxwell Dede, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s expected visit to the United Kingdom.

According to the group, the visit provides an opportunity for the British authorities to request further information on Kanu’s 2021 arrest in Kenya and subsequent transfer to Nigeria.

Kanu, who holds British citizenship, was arrested in June 2021 and later brought to Nigeria to face trial. Nigerian authorities confirmed his return but have maintained that due process was followed, rejecting allegations that the transfer violated international law.

The foundation stated that it believes there are unresolved questions regarding the circumstances of the arrest and transfer.

The group also said it expects the UK government to engage Nigerian authorities through diplomatic channels on the matter.

“For a British citizen travelling on a valid UK passport to be arrested in a third country and transferred to Nigeria raises issues that deserve clarification,” Dede said.

The group further urged the UK government to provide updates on diplomatic engagements it said had taken place between the two countries regarding the case.

It also suggested that, where necessary, relevant authorities could consider further review of the legal and procedural aspects surrounding the arrest and transfer.

President Tinubu is expected to hold engagements with British officials during his visit, although details of the discussions have not been publicly disclosed.