UK GOVT INSISTS NIGERIA MUST ACCOUNT FOR KANU’S ARREST
The UK Parliament has insisted that Nigerian government must explain to them the way and manner Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was re-arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria.
The UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad, demanded that the Nigeria government led by President Muhammadu Buhari should explain to the British Government how it repatriated Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader.
This decision followed a debate on the floor of the Parliament during which the lawmakers discussed the UK government’s assessment of Kenya’s role in the matter which was held on a July 7, 2021.
The issue was brought to the House of Lords by Lord Alton (Liverpool), who sought to address the controversies surrounding the transfer of the IPOB leader from the East African country to Nigeria against his will.
The lawmaker also sought to know if the High Commission in Abuja has provided any assistance to Kanu.
A parliamentary schedule stated: “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 Kanu to Nigeria against his will, and (3) of any assistance being provided to him by the High Commission in Abuja.”
In response, Tariq Ahmad said: “We are seeking clarification from the Nigerian Government about the circumstances of the arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu.”
Furthermore, the Minister confirmed earlier reports about his country providing consular assistance for the IPOB leader.
“The UK has requested consular access to Kanu from the Nigerian government, and we stand ready to provide consular assistance,” he said.
The Buhari government is yet to tell Nigerians how the IPOB leader was arrested and repatriated to Nigeria.
