The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has applauded a landmark judgment delivered by the High Court of Kenya, which declared the 2021 arrest and extradition of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as illegal, unconstitutional, and a grave violation of international law.
The decision, delivered in Nairobi on June 24, 2025, found that Kanu’s abduction at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, his secret detention, and the alleged torture he suffered before being transferred to Nigeria constituted an egregious breach of his fundamental rights under both Kenyan constitutional law and international human rights standards.
Reacting to the ruling, IPOB issued a strongly worded statement on Friday through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, who described the court’s verdict as a “resounding judicial earthquake.” He said the ruling has reverberated beyond Kenya, shaking the foundation of legal systems that may have ignored or condoned such transnational abuses.
The IPOB statement paid glowing tribute to the legal team led by renowned Pan-Africanist and constitutional lawyer, Professor PLO Lumumba. According to the group, Lumumba’s “brilliance, courage, and unwavering pursuit of justice” were instrumental in achieving what IPOB termed a “monumental legal triumph.”
“We extend our profound gratitude to Professor PLO Lumumba, whose exceptional legal insight and commitment to justice led to this historic judgment. This is not just a victory for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB, but a victory for human rights and justice globally,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that Kanu, a British citizen, lawfully entered Kenya and committed no crime while in the country. IPOB alleged that he was kidnapped in broad daylight by operatives of Nigeria’s secret police, with the cooperation of corrupt elements within Kenya’s security agencies.
According to the court’s ruling, the Kenyan government was found complicit in Kanu’s unlawful rendition and has been ordered to pay him 10 million Kenyan shillings in damages. The court also affirmed that Kanu was detained incommunicado and tortured, in clear violation of both domestic and international law.
“The court’s findings confirm what we have long known — that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a victim of state-sponsored terrorism,” IPOB declared. “His forced removal from Kenya was not only unlawful but a stain on the rule of law and due process.”
The judgment, IPOB noted, has cast a lasting shadow on the legacies of former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, and Nigeria’s former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, holding them morally and legally accountable in the court of global opinion.
IPOB stated that this ruling marks the beginning of a wider global campaign for justice and accountability. “Let it be clear — this is not the end, but the beginning of a sustained international quest for justice. Every individual, government official, or entity involved in this egregious breach of human rights will be pursued under the universal principles of accountability for crimes against humanity,” the statement added.
In closing, the group commended Justice E.C. Mwita for what it called “judicial courage,” and reiterated that the judgment sends a clear signal to oppressive regimes around the world.
“To Justice Mwita, we extend our sincere appreciation for your brave and principled stand. To our legal team, we salute your tireless dedication.
“This ruling is a beacon of hope for oppressed peoples worldwide, a stark warning that borders can no longer protect violators from justice,” IPOB declared. “To the Nigerian judiciary, take note: true justice requires courage. Kenya has spoken, and the world is watching. Justice is rising.”