A High Court in Nairobi, Kenya, has ruled that the abduction and forced rendition of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was illegal and unconstitutional.
Delivering judgment on June 24, 2025, Justice E.C. Mwita held that Kanu’s 2021 arrest and transfer to Nigeria violated his rights under both Kenyan and international law.
The court determined that both the Kenyan and Nigerian governments infringed on Kanu’s fundamental freedoms, including his right to due process, personal security, and freedom of movement.
Justice Mwita noted that Kanu had lawfully entered Kenya as a British citizen but was abducted, held in solitary confinement, tortured, and then flown to Nigeria without any legal procedure.
Describing the actions as a breach of the Kenyan Constitution, the judge ordered the Kenyan government to pay Kanu Ksh10 million (₦120 million) in general damages.
He further stated that the Kenyan authorities failed in their responsibility to protect Kanu, who was held incommunicado, denied access to food, water, and medical care, and subjected to cruel treatment before being unlawfully removed from the country.
