UK Foreign Minister Demands Info On How Nnamdi Kanu Was Repatriated From Kenya

Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal Government of Nigeria has been questioned by the UK Minister of State for Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad, on how Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra, was repatriated from Kenya.

The request followed a debate by the UK Parliament on July 7, during which members of Parliament discussed the UK government’s assessment of Kenya’s role in Kanu’s arrest.

Lord Alton of Liverpool raised the issue at the House of Lords, seeking to address the controversies surrounding the transfer of the IPOB leader to Nigeria against his will.

“Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the alleged role of the government of Kenya in the detention and alleged mistreatment of Nigerian activist Nnamdi Kanu, (2) the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Mr Kanu to Nigeria against his will, and (3) of any assistance being provided to him by the High Commission in Abuja. HL1665,” a parliamentary schedule seen by Peoples Gazette stated.

In response to the parliament’s debate, Mr Ahmad said, “We are seeking clarification from the Nigerian Government about the circumstances of the arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu.”

The minister also confirmed claims by the British High Commission in Abuja that the UK government was providing consular assistance for the IPOB leader.

“The UK has requested consular access to Mr Kanu from the Nigerian government, and we stand ready to provide consular assistance,” he maintained.

The UK government had clarified that Kanu who was earlier reported to have been repatriated from Britain, was not arrested within its shores.