In a significant legal victory that has resonated far beyond Nairobi, the High Court of Kenya has ruled that the abduction and subsequent detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—in June 2021 was illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of his fundamental rights.
The judgment, delivered on June 24, 2025, by Justice E.C. Mwita, did not just fault the Kenyan government—it called out both Kenya and Nigeria for collaborating in what the court described as a “brazen act” that flouted domestic and international laws.
“A Grave Injustice,” Says Kenyan Judge
Justice Mwita, in a powerful ruling, stated that Mr. Kanu was entitled to protection under the Kenyan Constitution, having lawfully entered the country. Instead, he was abducted, held incommunicado, tortured, denied basic necessities like food and medication, and later flown out of the country to Nigeria in a manner that clearly violated legal procedures.
“The government of Kenya had an obligation to protect his rights,” the judge said. “What happened was a violation of Mr. Kanu’s dignity and freedom. It was unconstitutional and unlawful.”
To that end, the court ordered the Kenyan government to pay Kanu 10 million Kenyan shillings (approx. ₦120 million) in general damages, holding the Office of the Attorney General accountable.
IPOB Reacts: “A Judicial Earthquake”
Following the judgment, the IPOB issued a jubilant and emotional statement. Describing the verdict as a “judicial earthquake”, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the ruling vindicated the group’s long-held belief that Kanu’s arrest in Nairobi was not a lawful extradition but a politically motivated abduction.
“In the eyes of the world, justice has finally spoken,” the statement read. “This ruling confirms that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a victim of extraordinary rendition—an illegal act of state-sponsored terrorism carried out by agents of the Nigerian and Kenyan governments.”
Praise for Justice and Legal Team
IPOB heaped praise on their legal team led by renowned pan-African lawyer, Professor PLO Lumumba, whose advocacy they credited for this historic win. The group also commended Justice Mwita for delivering what they called a “fearless and morally sound” judgment, despite what they described as intense political pressure.
“To the oppressed people of the world,” the statement added, “this is your victory. It’s a clear warning that tyrants cannot forever hide behind borders or governments to escape justice.”
A Turning Point in the Rendition Saga
Since his arrest in June 2021 and forced transfer to Nigeria, Kanu’s case has sparked international outrage, legal challenges, and human rights debates. This latest ruling from a foreign court is expected to intensify pressure on Nigerian authorities and reignite calls for his release.
While it remains to be seen how both countries will respond to the judgment, one thing is now clear—what happened in Nairobi was not just a political scandal, but a violation of law that a court of justice has now boldly called out.
As IPOB celebrates what it sees as a moral and legal victory, all eyes are once again on Nigeria—and the world waits to see what happens next.
