Israeli lawmaker writes UN, demands Nnamdi Kanu’s release
A member of the Israeli Knesset, MK Afef Abed, has written
to the United Nations, UN, demanding the release of the leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
The Knesset is the single-chamber parliament and supreme
legislative body of the State of Israel.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence in Sokoto Prison,
following his conviction on terrorism charges brought against him by the
Nigerian government.
The letter, obtained on Thursday, was dated
September 1, 2026 and addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations,
the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Chair-Rapporteur
of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Abed demanded the implementation of the opinion and
recommendations of a UN working group which investigated Kanu’s detention.
In the letter titled, ‘Call for the Implementation of the
Opinion and Recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Concerning Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’, the Israeli lawmaker said he was prompted to
pen the letter due to his commitment to human rights, and respect for due
process and international law.
The letter read, “I am writing to you as a Member of the
Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, out of a deep commitment to the principles of the
rule of law, human rights, due process, and respect for international law.
“The case of Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu received the formal
attention of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in its
Opinion No. 25/2022. In that Opinion, the Working Group concluded that Mr.
Kanu’s deprivation of liberty was arbitrary and called upon the Governments of
Nigeria and Kenya to take the necessary steps to remedy his situation without
delay. The Working Group stated that the appropriate remedy would be his
immediate release and the granting of an enforceable right to compensation and
other reparations, in accordance with international law.
*The Working Group also addressed the circumstances
surrounding Mr. Kanu’s arrest in Kenya and his transfer to Nigeria, and called
upon the Governments concerned to investigate the circumstances surrounding
these events in accordance with international law.
“The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is an important
mechanism of the United Nations human rights system. Its opinions and
recommendations carry significant legal and public importance and deserve
serious consideration and appropriate follow-up. Its work reflects the
international community’s commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and
ensuring that every individual receives the protections guaranteed under
international human rights law, irrespective of identity, beliefs, opinions,
political views, or religion.
“Over the years, several legal proceedings concerning Mr.
Kanu have taken place in Nigeria and beyond, including proceedings addressing
his rights and the legal implications of the
circumstances surrounding his return to Nigeria. These proceedings have
raised significant legal questions regarding his fundamental rights and the
circumstances of his detention and transfer.
“Since the adoption of Opinion No. 25/2022, there have also
been significant legal developments concerning Mr. Kanu. In November 2025, he
was convicted by a Nigerian Federal High Court on terrorism-related charges and
sentenced to life imprisonment. These subsequent developments do not diminish
the importance of the serious concerns and findings set out by the Working
Group in its 2022 Opinion. They further emphasize the importance of ensuring
that all proceedings concerning Mr. Kanu comply with applicable international
standards of due process and human rights.
“I wish to express my appreciation for the professional and
independent work of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in
examining Mr. Kanu’s case. I respectfully call upon the United Nations and its
relevant mechanisms to continue following this matter and to examine whether
the Working Group’s Opinion and recommendations have been implemented.
“In light of the above, I respectfully ask you to consider
the following steps: 1. Review the implementation of Opinion No. 25/2022 and
request an official update from the Government of Nigeria regarding the
measures it has taken in response to the Working Group’s findings and
recommendations.
2. Consider providing an official public update, to the
extent permitted under United Nations procedures, regarding the implementation
of the Working Group’s Opinion and recommendations.
3. Encourage continued dialogue with the Government of
Nigeria with a view to ensuring that all legal proceedings concerning Mr. Kanu
are conducted in accordance with applicable international human rights
standards and Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights (ICCPR).
4. Consider continued involvement and monitoring by the
relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Working Group
and other relevant mandate holders, in light of any new developments concerning
Mr. Kanu’s right to due process, his fundamental rights, and the conditions of
his detention.
5. Encourage a lawful and rights-respecting resolution based
on respect for the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and meaningful
consideration and implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.”
The Israeli lawmaker noted that members of the United States
Congress had called for the release of the IPOB leader.
The letter added, “Recently, U.S. Congressman John James has
also called for the immediate release of Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Furthermore,
serious concerns have been raised regarding Mr. Kanu’s health condition,
including allegations that the Nigerian authorities have failed to provide him
with adequate medical care and have prevented his personal physician from
providing him with the necessary treatment. Such allegations, particularly
where the health and fundamental rights of a detainee are concerned, warrant
serious attention and examination by the relevant international human rights
mechanisms.
“As a Member of the Knesset of the State of Israel, I
believe that strengthening respect for international legal institutions and
human rights mechanisms is a shared interest of all democratic societies. When
an official United Nations mechanism issues a reasoned Opinion following an
independent examination of a case, its findings and recommendations deserve
appropriate weight and meaningful efforts toward their implementation.
“I respectfully urge the relevant United Nations bodies to
continue their professional, consistent, and independent engagement with this
matter and to promote respect for human rights, the rule of law, and due
process.
“I sincerely hope that a responsible and dignified
resolution can be reached, consistent with the principles of international law
and the fundamental rights of Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
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