A High Court in Nairobi, Kenya, has declared that the abduction and subsequent rendition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Nigeria in June 2021 was both unlawful and unconstitutional. Justice E.C. Mwita delivered judgement on June 24, 2025, ruling that the governments of Kenya and Nigeria grossly violated Kanu’s fundamental human rights.
“Violation of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”
Justice Mwita determined that Kanu, a British citizen who entered Kenya lawfully, faced a series of rights violations by Kenyan authorities. The Kenyan court further determined that he experienced abduction, solitary confinement, torture, and deprivation of food and medication, characterising his treatment as a violation of fundamental rights.
“The government of Kenya violated the Constitution and Mr. Nnamdi Kanu’s rights and fundamental freedoms,” said Justice Mwita. “Having entered Kenya lawfully, he was subject to the protection offered by the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the government of Kenya had an obligation to uphold and protect his rights and fundamental freedoms.”
KSh10 Million Compensation Awarded
In response to the violations, the court awarded Kanu 10 million Kenyan shillings (approximately 119.5 million Nigerian naira) in general damages. The Attorney General of Kenya, representing the Kenyan government, was the target of the order.
“A declaration is hereby issued that the abduction and subsequent forcible removal of Mr. Nwannekaenvi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria was in violation of the laws of Kenya… and, therefore, unconstitutional and illegal,” the judgment stated.
IPOB Welcomes Ruling as Legal Vindication
The IPOB responded to the ruling with strong support, characterizing it as a “resounding judicial earthquake.” In a statement signed by spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group hailed the decision as a landmark victory and confirmation of their long-standing claims.
“This judgement vindicates our consistent position that what transpired in Nairobi in June 2021 was not extradition but extraordinary rendition — a criminal act of state-sponsored international terrorism involving the highest authorities of the Nigerian and Kenyan governments,” the statement read.
The IPOB also emphasised that authorities abducted Kanu at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in broad daylight, chained him, tortured him, and forcibly transported him to Nigeria without judicial proceedings.
“He was abducted in broad daylight… by agents of Nigeria’s secret police in collusion with rogue elements of the Kenyan security apparatus,” the statement continued. “This verdict places a permanent and indelible legal stain on the records of former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami.”
Gratitude to Legal and Judicial Actors
The IPOB extended its appreciation to its lead counsel in Kenya, Professor PLO Lumumba, and the Kenyan judiciary. “We are grateful beyond measure to the brilliant legal leadership of Professor PLO Lumumba… IPOB also extends heartfelt appreciation to the Kenyan judiciary, especially Hon. Justice E.C. Mwita.”
The group emphasized that the ruling marks the beginning of a broader effort to seek international justice. “This is the beginning of a global accountability campaign. All those responsible — in Kenya, Nigeria, or elsewhere — shall be pursued to the ends of the earth under the universal principle of accountability for crimes against humanity.”
They also criticised the role of the United Kingdom and Western governments, accusing them of silence and complicity. “Neither British diplomatic complicity nor cowardly silence from Western powers will shield the perpetrators from the legal, diplomatic, and moral reckoning that is coming.”
Legal and Political Implications
The Kenyan High Court decision further represents a significant legal precedent concerning state responsibility and transnational renditions. It may affect future diplomatic relations and extradition procedures between African states and beyond.
People are also questioning whether this ruling will influence the ongoing criminal case against Kanu in Nigeria.
