The United Nations, UN, has issued ‘Urgent Appeals” to both the Nigerian and Kenyan Governments respectively, and threatened that there will be serious consequences if the allegations of torture and violation of fundamental human rights against the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are proved true.
Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Kanunta Kanu; and his special counsel, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor had earlier petitioned the UN for intervention in the rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria, and his torture under State incarceration.
The UN “Urgent Appeals” to Nigeria and Kenya are said to have been transmitted to both countries since August 26, and acknowledged received from the Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on September 17.
The “UN Urgent Appeals” reads in part:” If confirmed, these allegations would constitute prima facie violations of fundamental human rights, including the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of liberty, and the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment under the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights (ICCPR).
“The allegations in the case of Mr. Kanu raise serious violations of international human rights law and may cause irreparable damage to his life or personal integrity, which we believe warrants prompt attention. In this regard, we are considering to publicly express our concerns in this case in the near future, believing that the wider public should be informed about the implications of these allegations for the enjoyment and exercise of human rights in Kenya and Nigeria. Any public expression of concern in this regard, will indicate that we have been in contact with your Excellency’s Government to clarify the issue/s in question.
“While awaiting a reply, we urge that all necessary interim measures be taken to prevent any irreparable damage to the life or personal integrity of Mr. Kanu, halt the alleged violations and prevent their re-occurrence and in the event that the investigations support or suggest the allegations to be correct, to ensure the accountability of any person responsible of the alleged violations.”
“It is important to emphasize that this is just the beginning of more United Nations and other global strong actions that would be seen in the coming weeks. While we await for such actions to unfold, we wish to inform the public that we will remain resolute and relentless in bringing the full weight of the international community to bear on the unconditional release of me brother and leader without further delay.”
A special UN crack team has been constituted to monitor governments and keep states accountable on the discharge of its human rights obligations to their citizens, in compliance with extant international norms, conventions, laws, and regulations.
This team, acting with the mandate of the UN, has threatened to institute legal action against Nigeria and Kenya before the International Court of Justice, sitting at The Hague, in respect of the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for providing leadership to the quest for a separate sovereignty from Nigeria.
