Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer counters Kenya, says ‘they were deeply involved in my client’s arrest’

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has countered the position of the Kenyan government on the latter’s involvement in the arrest of his client.

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), had announced the arrest and extradition of the IPOB leader, which he said was achieved “through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services”.

Malami did not state where Kanu was brought from to Nigeria, but Kingsley Kanu, brother of the separatist leader, had alleged that his brother was apprehended in Kenya.

On Friday, Wilfred Machage, Kenyan high commissioner to Nigeria, denied the claim that Kanu was arrested in his country.

But Ejiofor, counsel to Kanu, said during a visit to his client on Friday, the latter disclosed that he was arrested by Kenyan security operatives.

Counsel to the IPOB leader, in a statement, said Kanu was arrested by the “Kenya’s Special Police Force on the 18th of June, 2021, at their International Airport, and consequently taken to an undisclosed residence under dehumanising conditions”.

“He was tortured and subjected to all forms of inhuman treatment which worsened his health condition. He was illegally detained for eight (8) good days in Kenya before being transfered to their Nigerian counterpart,” the statement reads.

“He was purportedly investigated on a bogus charge while in their custody, ostensibly awaiting to be handed over after their findings proved him innocent of all the spurious allegations. They later beckoned on their Nigerian Counterpart to take over.

“Kenyan Government was deeply involved in the abduction, detention and ill-treatment of my Client before the illegal handover to their Nigerian counterpart.”

Ejiofor said his client had development a heart condition, noting that “there will be need for immediate proper medical examination and attention for him”.

While stating that he would challenge Kanu’s arrest in court, Ejiofor added that his client appreciated IPOB members for their support.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu conveyed his goodwill message to all IPOB family members worldwide, and craved for your unrelentless prayers,” he said.

“We are going back to the court for the needful. Other details cannot be entertained here. His fortified legal team will address these infractions at the proper forum as we progress. Other details on our legal strategy may not be made public.”