A group, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, has said that “Nnamdi Kanu appeared to have been trapped by some persons of his own tribal stock over some lingering issues.”
The group said that Kanu’s arrest at an airport in Kenya was initially taken to be ‘a minor immigration issue’, which later turned out to be a clear act of ‘strawmen’ and subsequently attracted the involvement of the Nigerian diplomatic officials.
Giving an insight into how Kanu was arrested, Intersociety, in a statement signed by its Principal Officers, Emeka Umeagbalasi, Obianuju Igboeli, and Chidimma Udegbunam, said the; “scuffle attracted Nigerian diplomatic officials and security attachés at Nairobi, the country’s capital.
“He was later on Sunday, 27th June 2021 handed over to Nigerian security attaches and diplomatic officials after providing paper evidence that he is being wanted in Nigeria for the continuation of his trial where he jumped bail and escaped from judicial justice,” the group claimed.
The human rights group said it was commendable that Nnamdi Kanu was not brought back to Nigeria “in body bags.”
The statement added: “The leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested on the Sat night of June 26, 2021, in Kenya, a member of the African Union.
“He had travelled to Israel, having transited from Germany to Israel before heading to Kenya, where he was intercepted on Saturday night, 26th June 2021.
“He appeared to have been trapped by some persons of his own tribal stock over some lingering issues.
“His arrest was initially taken to be a minor immigration issue, which later turned out to be a clear act of ‘strawmen’ and subsequently attracted the involvement of the Nigerian diplomatic officials and security attachés at Nairobi, the country’s capital.
“He was later on Sunday, 27th June 2021 handed over to Nigerian security attaches and diplomatic officials after providing paper evidence that he is being wanted in Nigeria for the continuation of his trial where he jumped bail and escaped from judicial justice.”
‘No victimisation’
The group, however, cautioned against victimisation of Kanu, saying: “Intersociety is not worried over the recent arrest and bringing back of the IPOB Leader, but we are deeply concerned over his safety, healthcare and upkeep in the custody of the country’s Spy Police where he may likely remain throughout his trial period.”
Meanwhile, IPOB has warned that no harm should happen to its leader.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group promised to expose the details of what it described as the abduction of Nnamdi Kanu.
