Igbo Diaspora Condemns UK for Silence on Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction

Several prominent Igbo diaspora organisations have criticised the United Kingdom for failing to speak out on the conviction and imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who holds British citizenship.

In a joint briefing, the American Veterans of Igbo Descent, Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and the Rising Sun Foundation accused the UK of abandoning its responsibility to protect one of its citizens after Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges in Abuja and transferred to a correctional facility in Sokoto.

The groups argued that Kanu’s ordeal, from his forced return to Nigeria to his sentencing under a law they insist was no longer in force demands an official response from London. They described the UK’s silence as inconsistent with its reputation as a defender of human rights.

Representatives of the organisations said the failure to intervene fuels concerns about long-standing biases and echoes historical grievances dating back to the Biafran War. They warned that the issue has evolved beyond Nigeria’s internal affairs, insisting that the UK must address the legal and diplomatic implications surrounding a British national.

The coalition called for an immediate public statement from the UK government, enforcement of previous court rulings on Kanu’s case, full consular access, and a parliamentary review of Britain’s handling of the matter. They also urged consideration of targeted sanctions against Nigerian officials allegedly involved in unlawful rendition and violations of due process.

The groups said they will escalate their advocacy efforts internationally, seeking the involvement of US authorities, the United Nations, and global media to ensure continuous monitoring of Kanu’s treatment while in detention.