Court declares Nnamdi Kanu’s abduction and rendition to Nigeria illegal, grants ₦120 million in damages
A High Court sitting in Nairobi, Kenya, has declared the abduction and rendition of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on June 24, 2025, Justice E.C. Mwita ruled that Kanu’s arrest and transfer to Nigeria in 2021 violated his rights under Kenyan and international law.
The court found that the Kenyan and Nigerian governments breached Kanu’s fundamental freedoms, including his right to due process, personal security, and freedom of movement.
Justice Mwita stated that Kanu lawfully entered Kenya as a British citizen but was abducted, detained in solitary confinement, tortured, and later flown to Nigeria without any legal process.
He described the actions as a violation of the Kenyan Constitution and ordered the government of Kenya to pay Kanu Ksh10 million (₦120 million) in general damages.
The judge added that the Kenyan government failed in its duty to protect Kanu, who was held incommunicado, denied food, water, and medication, and subjected to inhumane treatment before being flown out of the country without legal authorization.
