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{{Short description|British political activist}}
{{EngvarB|date = November 2017}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Nnamdi Kanu
| honorific_prefix =
| name = Nnamdi Kanu | image = Nnamdi Kanu.png
| caption = Kanu in 2021
| honorific_suffix =
| image = | birth_name = Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1967|09|25}}
| image_size =
| birth_place = Isiama Afara, ]<ref name="Sun News">{{Cite web|title=While answering question on why he travels with the Nigerian passport, the IPOB leader said "Nigeria is not my country, I was born a Biafran, my birth certificate reads Biafra and no one has ever changed that.|website=Sun News|date=31 October 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2023-09-30|url=https://sunnewsonline.com/my-problem-with-nigeria-nnamdi-kanu/}}</ref>
| alt =
| citizenship = ]<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerian-judge-denies-separatist-leader-kanu-bail-second-time-2024-05-20/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| caption =
| education = ]<ref name="BBC_1" />
| native_name =
| pronunciation = | occupation = Activist
| birth_name = Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu Kanu | known_for =
| birth_date = September 1967 | notable_works = ]
| birth_place = Isiama Afara, ]<ref name="Sun Nov 14"/> | office =
| movement = ]
| disappeared_date =
| spouse = Uchechi Okwu Kanu<ref>{{cite news|title=Nnamdi Kanu's wife speaks: 'My husband is a prisoner of conscience'|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nnamdi-kanu-wife-speaks-my-husband-prisoner-conscience-1531375|access-date=5 December 2015|work=International Business Times|date=1 December 2015}}</ref>
| disappeared_place =
| website = {{URL|http://www.ipob.org|ipob.org}}
| disappeared_status =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| body_discovered =
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates =
| burial_place =
| burial_coordinates =
| monuments =
| residence = Isiama Afara, ]
| nationality =
| other_names =
| citizenship = British-Nigerian
| education =
| alma_mater = ] (Non-Graduating) ,
London Metropolitan University (Graduated).
<ref name="Sun Nov 14">{{cite news|title=Nnamdi’s father speaks… ‘My son ‘ll rather die than back out of Biafra struggle’|url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/ojukwu-never-declared-any-war-gowon-did-ikedife/|accessdate=5 December 2015|publisher=The Sun|date=14 November 2015}}</ref>
| occupation = Activist, Radio director, Freedom fighter.
| years_active =
| era =
| employer =
| organization = ipob
| agent =
| known_for = ]
| notable_works = ]
| style =
| home_town =
| salary =
| networth =
| height =
| weight =
| television = Biafra TV
| title =
| term =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| party =
| movement = Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
| opponents =
| boards =
| denomination =
| criminal_charge =
| criminal_penalty =
| criminal_status =
| spouse = Uchechi Okwu Kanu<ref>{{cite news|title=Nnamdi Kanu's wife speaks: 'My husband is a prisoner of conscience'|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nnamdi-kanu-wife-speaks-my-husband-prisoner-conscience-1531375|accessdate=5 December 2015|work=IBTimes|date=1 December 2015}}</ref>
| partner =
| children =
| parents = ]<br />]
| relatives = {{plainlist|
*] (brother)<ref>{{cite news|title=Buhari ignited Biafra agitation –Nnamdi Kanu’s brother|url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/buhari-ignited-biafra-agitation-nnamdi-kanus-brother/|accessdate=5 December 2015|work=The Sun|date=29 November 2015}}</ref>
*] (sister)<ref>{{cite news|title=Nnamdi Kanu: Detained Biafran leader 'looked like shadow of his former self' says sister|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nnamdi-kanu-detained-biafran-leader-looked-like-shadow-his-former-self-says-sister-1531130|accessdate=5 December 2015|work=IBTimes UK|date=30 November 2015}}</ref>
}}
| family =
| callsign =
| awards =
| honors =
| website =
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
| module4 =
| module5 =
| module6 =
| signature =
| signature_size =
| signature_alt =
| footnotes =
}} }}
'''Nnamdi Okwu Kanu''' {{IPAc-en||audio=Ig-Nnamdi Okwu Kanu.ogg}} (born 25 September 1967)<ref>{{cite web |date=26 September 2019 |title=Fani kayode Sends Birthday Greetings to Nnamdi Kanu @52 |url=https://www.akelicious.net/fani-kayode-sends-birthday-greetings-to-nnamdi-kanu-52/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128004351/https://www.akelicious.net/fani-kayode-sends-birthday-greetings-to-nnamdi-kanu-52/ |archive-date=28 January 2021 |access-date=20 November 2019 |website=akelicious.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mahr |first1=Krista |date=30 April 2019 |title=The dream of Biafra lives on in underground Nigerian radio broadcasts |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-nigeria-war-legacy-20190430-story.html |journal=Los Angeles Times |access-date=20 November 2019 |quote=A frequent voice on Radio Biafra is its founder, 51-year-old Nnamdi Kanu, who is patched in from London.}}</ref> is a ]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Camillus |first=Eboh |date=20 May 2024 |title=Nigerian judge denies separatist leader Kanu bail for the second time |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerian-judge-denies-separatist-leader-kanu-bail-second-time-2024-05-20/ |work=]}}</ref> political activist known for advocating for the secession and independence of ] from ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-30 |title=I'm a British citizen, ask Buhari to release me; Nnamdi Kanu tells UK |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/im-victim-travesty-justice-nnamdi-kanu-tells-uk/ |access-date=2021-06-14 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}</ref> He is the leader of the ] (IPOB), which he founded in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leavitt |first=Jericho |date=2023-11-08 |title=Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) |url=https://www.moderninsurgent.org/post/indigenous-people-of-biafra |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=The Modern Insurgent |language=en}}</ref> The main aim of IPOB is to restore the defunct Republic of Biafra which existed in Nigeria's ] during the ] of 1967–1970.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=Simon |date=2017-10-06 |title=Mystery of the missing Biafran separatist |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-10-06-00-mystery-of-the-missing-biafran-separatist-1/ |access-date=2019-11-20 |website=The M&G Online |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BBC News">{{Cite news |date=2017-05-05 |title=Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu: The man behind Nigeria's separatists |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39793185 |access-date=2021-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>


'''Nwannekaenyi "Nnamdi" Kenny Okwu Kanu''' (born September 1967) is a British-Nigerian<ref>{{cite news |last=Freeman |first=Colin |date=21 January 2017 |title=The man fighting for independence of the West African nation of Biafra... from a flat in Peckham |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/21/man-fighting-independence-tiny-west-african-nation-biafra-council/ |newspaper=] |location=London, UK |access-date=7 May 2017}}</ref> ]. He is a leading member of one of several Biafran ]<ref name=BBC_2"></ref>, the ] (IPOB), and the director of a ]-based radio station ].<ref name=BBC_2">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=18 December 2015 |title=Nigeria police shoot Biafra supporters |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35131120 |newspaper=] |location= |access-date=22 August 2017 }}</ref> Kanu was arrested on treason charges in ] on 14 October, 2015 and was detained in a Nigerian jail without trial for more than a year-and-a-half, despite various court orders that ruled for his release. When in court, Kanu appeared regularly wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and head covering. He said in court that he "believes in Judaism" and considers himself a Jew.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://forward.com/fast-forward/370802/whats-an-igbo-jewish-high-priest-doing-at-center-of-political-drama-in-nige/|title=What’s An Igbo ‘Jewish High Priest’ Doing At Center Of Political Drama In Nigeria?|work=The Forward|access-date=2017-05-17}}</ref> On 28 April 2017 Kanu was released from prison on bail.<ref name="BBC_1">{{cite news |last=Hegarty |first=Stephanie |date=5 May 2017 |title=Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu: The man behind Nigeria's separatists |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39793185 |newspaper=] |location=London, UK |access-date=6 May 2017 }}</ref> As the director of a ]-registered radio station named ], Kanu propagated ]n separatism.<ref name="BBC_2">{{cite news |date=18 December 2015 |title=Nigeria police shoot Biafra supporters |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35131120 |access-date=22 August 2017 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Colin |date=2017-01-21 |title=The man fighting for independence of the West African nation of Biafra... from a flat in Peckham |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/21/man-fighting-independence-tiny-west-african-nation-biafra-council/ |access-date=2024-06-05 |work=] |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> He was arrested on treason charges in ], ] on 14 October 2015 and was detained for more than a year, despite various court orders that ruled for his release. When in court, Kanu appeared regularly wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and head covering. He said in court, that he "believes in ]" and considers himself a ]. He has led his Biafran people to various Jewish prayers and religious observations on different occasions.<ref>{{Cite news |title=What's An Igbo 'Jewish High Priest' Doing at Center of Political Drama in Nigeria? |url=http://forward.com/fast-forward/370802/whats-an-igbo-jewish-high-priest-doing-at-center-of-political-drama-in-nige/ |access-date=17 May 2017 |work=The Forward}}</ref> On 28 April 2017, Kanu was released from prison on bail.<ref name="BBC_1">{{cite news |last=Hegarty |first=Stephanie |date=5 May 2017 |title=Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu: The man behind Nigeria's separatists |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39793185 |access-date=6 May 2017 |publisher=] |location=London, UK}}</ref> Nigerian security forces attempted to quash IPOB's armed wing, the ], which culminated in a low-level conflict in early 2021. Despite the fighting, Kanu maintained that IPOB was interested in a peaceful solution and achieving Biafran independence without violence or harm. In June 2021, he was widely reported to have been allegedly re-arrested by ]<ref name="reuters arrested">{{cite web |date=29 June 2021 |title=Biafran separatist leader arrested and will face trial, Nigeria says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-says-biafran-separatist-leader-arrested-will-face-trial-2021-06-29/ |access-date=29 June 2021 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="bbc arrested">{{cite web |author= |date=29 June 2021 |title=Nnamdi Kanu: Nigeria arrests Biafra separatist leader |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-57655640 |access-date=29 June 2021 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref name="bbc where">{{cite web |author= |date=30 June 2021 |title=Where was Nnamdi Kanu arrested?: Ipob leader arrest extradition location - Wetin we sabi |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-57672106 |access-date=3 July 2021 |website=BBC |language=pcm}}</ref> in ] and handed over to Nigeria but in April 2024, Interpol denied any involvement in the arrest and consequent rendition to Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 April 2024 |title=INTERPOL Says It's Not Aware, Not Involved In Rendition Of IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu From Kenya |url=https://saharareporters.com/2024/04/30/interpol-says-its-not-aware-not-involved-rendition-ipob-leader-nnamdi-kanu-kenya |work=Sahara Reporters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=Appeal Court: Nnamdi Kanu contends with Abuja court over trial jurisdiction |url=https://inflowpost.com/appeal-court-nnamdi-kanu-contends-with-abuja-court-over-trial-jurisdiction/ |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=InflowPost |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Biography== == Early life ==
Kanu was born 25 September 1967 in Isiama Afara Ukwu, ] — within the claimed territory of the ] a few months after it had declared independence from Nigeria. His father, ] Israel Okwu Kanu (JP),<ref name="father">{{Cite web |date=14 February 2016 |title=I'm proud of Nnamdi Kanu, he's just like me — Father |url=https://punchng.com/im-proud-of-nnamdi-kanu-hes-just-like-me-father/ |access-date=2020-05-24 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref> and his mother, Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu, were Nigerian ].<ref name="Sun Nov 14">{{cite news |date=24 September 2022 |title=Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who was born on 25th September 1967 in the heat of the Biafra War. He was issued a Biafran Birth Certificate, becoming a Biafran Citizen by Birth.' |url=https://twitter.com/biafrantweets/status/1573645289738715136/ |access-date=30 September 2023 |work=Biafra Twitter}}</ref> He attended Library Avenue Primary School and went to ] for his secondary education. He studied at ] and moved to the UK before graduating.<ref name="BBC_1" />


===Early life=== == Early activism ==
Kanu began his activism for the freedom of Biafra as a Radio Biafra director and anchor of Biafra awareness under ], leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), who said while in a meeting in Kaduna, Nigeria on 12 June 2014, that he handed over Radio Biafra to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB but Kanu disappointed him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-12 |title=Uwazuruike: I handed over Radio Biafra to Kanu but he allowed politicians to hijack it |url=https://www.thecable.ng/uwazuruike-handed-radio-biafra-kanu-allowed-politicians-hijack |access-date=2021-06-14 |website=TheCable |language=en-US}}</ref> Radio Biafra however, was established by the defunct Biafran government in 1967 with the aim of championing the Biafran cause. Kanu was a relatively obscure figure until 2009 when he started Radio Biafra, a station that called for an independent state for the Igbo people and broadcast to Nigeria from London.<ref name="BBC News" /> In 2014, he founded IPOB.<ref name="BBC News" /> On 5 September 2015, Nnamdi Kanu was a guest speaker at the ] which was held in ], where he told his audience "we need guns and we need bullets".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Egbejule |first1=Eromo |last2=Anyadike |first2=Obi |date=16 December 2016 |title=Nigeria fails to come to grips with separatist 'New Biafra' |url=https://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2016/12/16/nigeria-fails-come-grips-separatist-%E2%80%9Cnew-biafra%E2%80%9D |access-date=22 August 2017 |agency=]}}</ref>
Kanu was born in Isiama Afara, ], Nigeria. His father is HRM Eze Israel Okwu Kanu (JP) and his mother is Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu.<ref name="Sun Nov 14"/> He attended Library Avenue Primary School (now part of Government House, Umuahia) and went to ] for his secondary education. He later gained admission to the ] (UNN) but left after two years. He moved to London and studied Political Economics at London Guildhall University now called London Metropolitan University (LMU).


==Arrest== == Imprisonment ==
On October 18, 2015, it was reported that Mr Kanu had been arrested in ] by ]’s secret police the ] (DSS).<ref name=www.voanews.com>{{cite news|title=Nigeria Protesters Demand Release of Jailed Radio Biafra Director|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-protesters-demand-release-jailed-radio-biafra-director/3053340.html|accessdate=5 December 2015|work=VOA News|date=11 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigerian-intelligence-arrests-biafran-separatist-leader-105914709.html|title=Nigerian intelligence arrests Biafran separatist leader|work=]|last=Uguru|first=Hilary|date=19 October 2015|accessdate=22 October 2015}}</ref> Mr Kanu had told his solicitors that he was, on 14th October, 2015, arrested by the agents of the Federal Government of ], the State Security Service (SSS) in his hotel room i.e. Golden Tulip Essential Hotel Ikeja, ].<ref name="Sahara Reporters, New York">{{cite web|url=http://saharareporters.com/2015/11/14/nnamdi-kanus-lawyer-issues-statement-dss-and-efforts-release-him-detention|title=Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer Issues Statement On DSS And Efforts To Release Him From Detention|author=Sahara Reporters, New York|date=November 14, 2015|work=saharareporters.com}}</ref> The solicitors in a press briefing said, between 14th and 17th October, 2015 their clients whereabouts were unknown until 18th of October, 2015, when the Press Media broke the news of his arrest and detention by the SSS in ].<ref name="Sahara Reporters, New York"/>
The news of the arrest of Mr Kanu generated protests across parts of ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/breaking-radio-biafra-director-nnamdi-kanu-reportedly-arrested|title=Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu reportedly arrested|author=|date=18 October 2015|work=Vanguard News|accessdate=22 October 2015}}</ref>


==Detention== === Arrest ===
On 18 October 2015, it was reported that Kanu had been arrested in ] by ]'s secret police, the ] (DSS).<ref name="www.voanews.com">{{cite news |date=11 November 2015 |title=Nigeria Protesters Demand Release of Jailed Radio Biafra Director |url=http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-protesters-demand-release-jailed-radio-biafra-director/3053340.html |access-date=5 December 2015 |work=VOA News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Uguru |first=Hilary |date=19 October 2015 |title=Nigerian intelligence arrests Biafran separatist leader |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigerian-intelligence-arrests-biafran-separatist-leader-105914709.html |access-date=22 October 2015 |work=]}}</ref> Kanu had told his solicitors that on 14 October 2015, he was arrested by the agents of the Federal Government of ], the ] (SSS), in his hotel room at the Golden Tulip Essential Hotel ], ].<ref name="Sahara Reporters, New York">{{cite web |author=Sahara Reporters |date=14 November 2015 |title=Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer Issues Statement on DSS And Efforts To Release Him From Detention |url=http://saharareporters.com/2015/11/14/nnamdi-kanus-lawyer-issues-statement-dss-and-efforts-release-him-detention |publisher=saharareporters.com}}</ref> The solicitors in a press briefing said, between 14 and 17 October 2015 their client's whereabouts were unknown until 18 October 2015, when the press media broke the news of his arrest and detention by the SSS in ].<ref name="Sahara Reporters, New York" /> The news of the arrest of Kanu generated protests across ], ], ], ], ], ], Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State and ].<ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2015 |title=Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu reportedly arrested |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/breaking-radio-biafra-director-nnamdi-kanu-reportedly-arrested |access-date=22 October 2015 |work=Vanguard News}}</ref>
On October 19, 2015, it was reported that Mr Kanu had been granted bail<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/breaking-radio-biafras-nnamdi-kanu-granted-bail/|title=Breaking: Radio Biafra’s Nnamdi Kanu Granted Bail|author=Vanguard Nigeria|date=October 19, 2015|work=www.vanguardngr.com}}</ref> after a secret arraignment at Magistrate Court,Wuse 11.<ref name="Vanguard Nigeria">{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/dss-refuse-to-produce-radio-biafra-director-nnamdi-kanu-lawyer/|title=DSS refuse to produce Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu – Lawyer|author=Vanguard Nigeria|date=October 24, 2015|work=www.vanguardngr.com}}</ref> However, the bail seemed "controversial" and there were claims the DSS announced the bail only "to calm the angry people of Biafra".<ref name="Ludovica Iaccino">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nnamdi-kanu-ipob-leader-whereabouts-unknown-despite-nigeria-security-forces-claiming-he-bail-1525032|title=Nnamdi Kanu: Ipob leader whereabouts unknown despite Nigeria security forces claiming he is on bail|author=Ludovica Iaccino|date=|work=International Business Times UK|accessdate=22 October 2015}}</ref> Although the bail conditions were stringent some of which required the Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property within ] municipality, a level 16 officer in the Ministry, Mr Kanu's lawyer said they eventually met the requirements in full. However, “upon the issuance of the Form 36,the court ordeal went to execute the order but came back unsuccessful. He was unable to produce the prisoner.<ref name="Vanguard Nigeria"/> The lawyer, Vincent Obetta, called the continued detention of the activist despite meeting his bail conditions "a clash between judiciary and executive" in a democratic ]. According to Mr Obetta, "I have not seen or heard any place where a court grants bail and the person is not released. Under UN and Africa charter, it is enshrined that once bail is granted, you release the person upon meeting the bail conditions. We are sliding to days of Decree 2 and 4 of 1984. This is pure ].” <ref name="www.vanguardngr.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/s-east-govs-divided-over-pro-biafra-struggle|title=Nnamdi Kanu has met bail conditions – Obetta, his lawyer|author=Vanguard Nigeria|date=November 9, 2015|work=www.vanguardngr.com}}</ref>


=== Detention ===
A Conservative minister said the British consular officials will visit Mr Kanu following enquiry from the activist's constituency MP, ]. ], Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for ] confirmed that Kanu, had been visited earlier by members of the ] but that he did not ask for British consular assistance.<ref name="IBTimes, UK">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nnamdi-kanu-british-officials-will-visit-detained-biafran-leader-abuja-1530315|title=Nnamdi Kanu: British officials will visit detained Biafran leader in Abuja|author=IBTimes, UK|date=November 24, 2015|work=ibtimes.co.uk}}</ref>{{rp|}}
On 19 October 2015, it was reported that Nnamdi Kanu had been granted bail<ref>{{cite web |author=Vanguard Nigeria |date=19 October 2015 |title=Breaking: Radio Biafra's Nnamdi Kanu Granted Bail |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/breaking-radio-biafras-nnamdi-kanu-granted-bail/ |publisher=vanguardngr.com}}</ref> after a secret arraignment at Magistrate Court, Wuse 11.<ref name="Vanguard Nigeria">{{cite web |author=Vanguard Nigeria |date=24 October 2015 |title=DSS refuse to produce Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu – Lawyer |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/dss-refuse-to-produce-radio-biafra-director-nnamdi-kanu-lawyer/ |publisher=vanguardngr.com}}</ref> However, the bail seemed "controversial" and there were claims the DSS announced the bail only "to calm the angry people of Biafra".<ref name="Ludovica Iaccino">{{cite web |author=Ludovica Iaccino |date=21 October 2015 |title=Nnamdi Kanu: Ipob leader whereabouts unknown despite Nigeria security forces claiming he is on bail |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nnamdi-kanu-ipob-leader-whereabouts-unknown-despite-nigeria-security-forces-claiming-he-bail-1525032 |access-date=22 October 2015 |work=International Business Times UK}}</ref>


===Court jurisdiction=== === Court jurisdiction ===
The Magistrate Court 1 sitting in ] on November 18, 2015 ordered the ] (DSS) to produce Kanu, at the court on November 23, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/biafra-court-orders-dss-to-produce-nnamdi-kanu-nov-23/225982/|title=Biafra: Court Orders DSS to Produce Nnamdi Kanu Nov.23|author=This Day Live, Nigeria|date=November 18, 2015|work="thisdaylive.com"}}</ref> However, it was reported the ] (DSS) obtained a "secret court order to detain Nnamdi Kanu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsexpressngr.com/news/detail.php?news=17559&title=Biafra:-DSS-springs-surprise,-obtains-secret-court-order-to-detain-Nnamdi-Kanu-for-90-days|title=Biafra: DSS springs surprise, obtains secret court order to detain Nnamdi Kanu for 90 days|author= News Express on 19/11/2015|date=November 19, 2015|work="newsexpressngr.com"}}</ref><ref name="dailytimes.com.ng">{{cite web|url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/pro-biafra-protest-grounds-aba/|title=Pro-Biafra Protest Grounds Aba |author=Daily Times, Nigeria|date=November 9, 2015|work="/dailytimes.com.ng"}}</ref><ref name="www.ngrguardiannews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/11/pro-biafra-activists-continue-protests-in-aba/|title=Pro-Biafra Activists Continue Protests In Aba|author=The Guardian, Nigeria|date=November 10, 2015|work="www.ngrguardiannews.com"}}</ref> Kanu's lawyer, Mr Obetta in an interview said whilst "in court, the prosecutor gave him a document containing a court order permitting the ] (DSS) to detain Mr Kanu for the next three months to "conclude what they said was an investigation of terrorism and terrorism financing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigeria-state-obtains-court-order-115658217.html#54ng2cm|title=Nigeria: State 'obtains court order' to detain Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu for next three months|author=Ludovica Iaccino; IBTimes UK|date=November 20, 2015|work="uk.news.yahoo.com"}}</ref> The Magistrate Court 1 sitting in ] on 18 November 2015 ordered the ] (DSS) to produce Kanu at the court on 23 November 2015.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 November 2015 |title=Biafra: Court Orders DSS to Produce Nnamdi Kanu Nov.23 |url=http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/biafra-court-orders-dss-to-produce-nnamdi-kanu-nov-23/225982/ |website=This Day Live, Nigeria |via=thisdaylive.com |access-date=18 November 2015 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119175707/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/biafra-court-orders-dss-to-produce-nnamdi-kanu-nov-23/225982/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, it was reported the ] (DSS) obtained a "secret court order to detain Nnamdi Kanu".<ref>{{cite web |date=19 November 2015 |title=Biafra: DSS springs surprise, obtains secret court order to detain Nnamdi Kanu for 90 days |url=http://www.newsexpressngr.com/news/detail.php?news=17559&title=Biafra:-DSS-springs-surprise,-obtains-secret-court-order-to-detain-Nnamdi-Kanu-for-90-days |website=News Express Nigeria |via=newsexpressngr.com |access-date=23 November 2015 |archive-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006151715/https://www.newsexpressngr.com/news/detail.php?news=17559&title=Biafra:-DSS-springs-surprise,-obtains-secret-court-order-to-detain-Nnamdi-Kanu-for-90-days |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="dailytimes.com.ng">{{cite web |date=9 November 2015 |title=Pro-Biafra Protest Grounds Aba |url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/pro-biafra-protest-grounds-aba/ |website=Daily Times, Nigeria |via=/dailytimes.com.ng |access-date=12 November 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031609/http://dailytimes.com.ng/pro-biafra-protest-grounds-aba/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="www.ngrguardiannews.com">{{cite web |date=10 November 2015 |title=Pro-Biafra Activists Continue Protests in Aba |url=http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/11/pro-biafra-activists-continue-protests-in-aba/ |website=The Guardian |via=www.ngrguardiannews.com}}</ref> Kanu's lawyer, Vincent Obetta, in an interview said whilst in court, the prosecutor gave him a document containing a court order permitting the ] (DSS) to detain Kanu for the next three months to "conclude what they said was an investigation of terrorism and terrorism financing".<ref>{{cite web |last=Iaccino |first=Ludovica |date=20 November 2015 |title=Nigeria: State 'obtains court order' to detain Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu for next three months |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigeria-state-obtains-court-order-115658217.html#54ng2cm |via=uk.news.yahoo.com}}</ref>


==Charges and court trial== === Court trial ===
Kanu was finally arraigned on 23 November 2015 in an Abuja Magistrate Court for the first time<ref name="vanguardngr1">{{cite web |author=Vanguard, Nigeria |date=23 November 2015 |title=Breaking: Nnamdi Kanu finally appears in Court |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/breaking-nnamdi-kanu-finally-appears-in-court/ |work=/vanguardngr.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=IBTimes, UK |date=23 November 2015 |title=Nigeria: Radio Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu appears in court despite death rumours |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nigeria-radio-biafra-leader-nnamdi-kanu-appears-court-despite-death-rumours-1530064 |work=/ibtimes.co.uk}}</ref> for charges of "criminal conspiracy, intimidation and membership of an illegal organisation" by ]'s ] (DSS). The charges violate "Section 97, 97B and 397" of ]'s penal code.<ref name="afp">{{cite web |date=20 November 2015 |title=Biafra protests in Nigeria driven by poverty, neglect, injustice |url=https://news.yahoo.com/biafra-protests-nigeria-driven-poverty-neglect-injustice-003020924.html |agency=AFP}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Premium Times, Nigeria |date=23 November 2015 |title=Biafra: SSS seeks transfer of Nnamdi Kanu's case to higher court |url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/193809-biafra-sss-seeks-transfer-of-nnamdi-kanus-case-to-higher-court.html |work=/premiumtimesng.com}}</ref> Chief Magistrate S. Usman had, at the last adjourned date, berated the ] (DSS) over its failure to produce Kanu in court on the two consecutive times the matter came up before the court.<ref name="vanguardngr2">{{cite web |author=Vanguard, Nigeria |date=24 November 2015 |title=Biafra: Transfer me to prison custody, Kanu begs court |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/biafra-transfer-me-to-prison-custody-kanu-begs-court/ |publisher=vanguardngr.com}}</ref> Meanwhile, Kanu's supporters stormed ]'s capital city of Abuja in luxury buses on a peaceful protest for their leader who was arraigned by the Federal Government before the Wuse Zone 2 Magistrate Court, Abuja on 23 November 2015.<ref>{{cite web |author=Vanguard, Nigeria |date=23 November 2015 |title=Photos: Protest in Abuja, as FG arraigns Nnamdi Kanu in Court |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/photos-protest-in-abuja-as-fg-arraigns-nnamdi-kanu-in-court/ |publisher=vanguardngr.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=The Sun, Nigeria |date=23 November 2015 |title=Pro-Biafra protesters storm Abuja as SSS arraigns Kanu in court |url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/pro-biafra-protesters-storm-abuja-as-sss-arraigns-kanu-in-court/ |publisher=sunnewsonline.com}}</ref> Pro-] protesters with placards sang and danced outside the court premises whilst the hearing proceeded. Protesters wore T-shirts and caps with inscriptions like "Biafra Now or Never", "Buhari Release Kanu For Us", "On ] We Stand". More protests by IPOB members numbering over 15,000 grounded vehicular movements in the southeastern key economic city of ] concurrently. It was the same with over 20,000 protesters in ], ] on the same day.<ref name="vanguardngr2" />
Kanu was finally arraigned on November 23, 2015 in an Abuja Magistrate Court for the first time <ref name="vanguardngr1">{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/breaking-nnamdi-kanu-finally-appears-in-court/|title=Breaking: Nnamdi Kanu finally appears in Court|author=Vanguard, Nigeria|date=November 23, 2015|work="/vanguardngr.com"}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nigeria-radio-biafra-leader-nnamdi-kanu-appears-court-despite-death-rumours-1530064|title=Nigeria: Radio Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu appears in court despite death rumours|author=IBTimes, UK|date=November 23, 2015|work="/ibtimes.co.uk"}}</ref> for charges of "criminal conspiracy, intimidation and membership of an illegal organisation by ]'s ] (DSS). They charges violate "Section 97, 97B and 397" of ]'s penal code.<ref name="dailymail1">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-3326988/Biafra-protests-Nigeria-driven-poverty-neglect-injustice.html
|title=Biafra protests in Nigeria driven by poverty, neglect, injustice|author=Mail Online UK|date=November 20, 2015|work=dailymail.co.uk}}</ref><ref name="dailymail1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/193809-biafra-sss-seeks-transfer-of-nnamdi-kanus-case-to-higher-court.html|title=Biafra: SSS seeks transfer of Nnamdi Kanu’s case to higher court|author=Premium Times, Nigeria|date=November 23, 2015|work="/premiumtimesng.com"}}</ref> Chief Magistrate .S. Usman had at the last adjourned date, berated the ] (DSS) over its failure to produce Kanu in court on two consecutive times the matter came up before the court.<ref name="vanguardngr2">{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/biafra-transfer-me-to-prison-custody-kanu-begs-court/
|title=Biafra: Transfer me to prison custody, Kanu begs court|author=Vanguard, Nigeria|date=November 24, 2015|work=vanguardngr.com}}</ref> Meanwhile, Kanu's supporters, stormed ]'s capital city of Abuja in luxury buses on a peaceful protest for their leader who was arraigned by the Federal Government before the Wuse Zone 2 Magistrate Court, Abuja on November 23, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/photos-protest-in-abuja-as-fg-arraigns-nnamdi-kanu-in-court/
|title=Photos: Protest in Abuja, as FG arraigns Nnamdi Kanu in Court|author=Vanguard, Nigeria|date=November 23, 2015|work=vanguardngr.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/pro-biafra-protesters-storm-abuja-as-sss-arraigns-kanu-in-court/
|title=Pro-Biafra protesters storm Abuja as SSS arraigns Kanu in court|author=The Sun, Nigeria|date=November 23, 2015|work=sunnewsonline.com}}</ref><ref name="lindaikejisblog1">{{cite web|url=http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2015/11/photos-supporters-of-pro-biafran-leader.html
|title=Photos: Supporters of Pro-Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kanu storm Abuja court|author=Linda Ikeji, Nigeria|date=November 23, 2015|work=lindaikejisblog.com}}</ref> Pro-] protesters with placards sang and danced outside the court premises whilst hearing proceeded. Protesters wore T-shirts and caps with inscriptions like “Biafra Now or Never”, “Buhari Release Kanu For Us”, “On ] We Stand”. More protests by IPOB members numbering over 15,000 grounded vehicular movements the southeastern key economic city of ] concurrently. It was the same by over 20,000 protesters in ], ] on the same day.<ref name="vanguardngr2"/><ref name="lindaikejisblog1"/>


Kanu, through his counsel filed an application asking the federal authorities to transfer him from the custody of the ] (DSS) to prison. His lawyer, Obetta, insisted that transferring his client to prison would enable him have easy access to his legal team.<ref name="vanguardngr2"/> Kanu, through his counsel, filed an application asking the federal authorities to transfer him from the custody of the ] (DSS) to prison. His lawyer, Obetta, insisted that transferring his client to prison would enable him to have easy access to his legal team.<ref name="vanguardngr2" />


Whilst in court, the ] (DSS) requested the Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, to discontinue the trial of Nnamdi Kanu under section 108(1) of administration of criminal justice act 2015.<ref name="vanguardngr3">{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/dss-asks-court-to-discontinue-kanus-trial/|title=DSS asks court to discontinue Kanu’s trial|author=Vanguard, Nigeria|date=November 23, 2015|work="/vanguardngr.com"}}</ref> Mr Idakwo further said the ] (DSS) had obtained an order from the Federal High Court, ], dated November 10, to detain the accused in its custody for 90 days.<ref name="vanguardngr3"/> However, Kanu's lawyer, Mr Obetta objected the continued detention of his client. Obetta, prayed the court not to discontinue the case because the prosecution did not present any information from the Attorney-General of Nigeria Federation who had the authority to approve such. Obetta also told the court that "the DSS violated the order of the court which granted bail that was perfected but not granted, adding that the accused had been in ] (DSS) custody since he was arrested."<ref name="vanguardngr3"/> The court's magistrate, Mr Usman Shuaibu, after listening to both counsels, adjourned the matter until December 1, 2015 for ruling.<ref name="vanguardngr3"/> Whilst in court, the ] (DSS) requested the Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates' Court, to discontinue the trial of Nnamdi Kanu under section 108(1) of administration of criminal justice act 2015.<ref name="vanguardngr3">{{cite web |author=Vanguard, Nigeria |date=23 November 2015 |title=DSS asks court to discontinue Kanu's trial |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/dss-asks-court-to-discontinue-kanus-trial/ |work=/vanguardngr.com}}</ref> Idakwo further said the ] (DSS) had obtained an order from the Federal High Court, ], dated 10 November, to detain the accused in its custody for 90 days.<ref name="vanguardngr3" /> However, Kanu's lawyer Obetta objected to the continued detention of his client. Obetta prayed the court not to discontinue the case because the prosecution did not present any information from the Attorney-General of Nigeria Federation who had the authority to approve such. Obetta also told the court that "the DSS violated the order of the court which granted bail that was perfected but not granted, adding that the accused had been in ] (DSS) custody since he was arrested."<ref name="vanguardngr3" /> The court's magistrate, Usman Shuaibu, after listening to both counsels, adjourned the matter until 1 December 2015 for ruling.<ref name="vanguardngr3" />

== Prison release and disappearance ==
On 20 October 2015, '']'' announced that Kanu had been released on bail. However, media sources supporting the objectives of IPOB called the bail "controversial" and claimed the DSS announced the bail only "to calm the angry people of Biafra".<ref name="Ludovica Iaccino" /> Kanu has finally been released on bail by Justice ] for health reasons.

Kanu disappeared from public view after his home was raided by the Nigerian military, in September 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=TIMELINE: Nnamdi Kanu's long battle with Nigerian government continues |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/475923-timeline-nnamdi-kanus-long-battle-with-nigerian-government-continues.html |access-date=2022-03-06 |language=en-GB}}</ref> an event which led to the deaths of 28 IPOB members.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2016 |title=Nigeria: At least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra activists killed in chilling crackdown |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/11/peaceful-pro-biafra-activists-killed-in-chilling-crackdown/ |access-date=2021-01-07 |website=www.amnesty.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tayo |first1=Sola |last2=Mbah |first2=Fidelis |date=9 November 2017 |title=Calls for Biafran Independence Return to South East Nigeria |url=https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/calls-biafran-independence-return-south-east-nigeria |access-date=9 November 2017 |publisher=Chatham House}}</ref> Not being seen in public for over a year, there was wide-ranging speculation regarding his whereabouts, with members of the IPOB accusing the ] government of having abducted him. However, in October 2018, unattributed photographs and videos, apparently placing him in Israel, were widely circulated on social media,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Nnamdi KANU Resurfaces in Jerusalem 1 year after mysterious disappearance |url=https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/nnamdi-kanu-resurfaces-in-jerusalem-1-year-after-mysterious-disappearance/ |access-date= |website=Pulse Ng}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> and this was later confirmed by mainstream media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigerian separatist leader admits he's in Israel, says owes life to Jewish state |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/nigerian-separatist-leader-admits-hes-in-israel-says-owes-life-to-jewish-state/ |website=]}}</ref>

Despite him resurfacing, his exact location and living place continued to remain unclear over the next years.<ref name="reuters arrested" />

== Continued activism ==
In an interview in June 2017, Kanu demanded bullets and guns from a group of US-based Nigerians for self-defense against the incessant ] on Igbos by the ] which were currently reoccurring in Biafra lands.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chijioke |first=Jannah |date=27 June 2017 |title=Biafra: Why I asked for guns from US-based Nigerians – Nnamdi Kanu |url=http://dailypost.ng/2017/06/27/biafra-asked-guns-us-based-nigerians-nnamdi-kanu-video/ |access-date=22 August 2017 |newspaper=]}}</ref>

Kanu's pronounced strategy has been the application of civil disobedience in pressing home his demand for the freedom of his people. In various air broadcasts, Nnamdi Kanu stated how his adoption of ] and ]'s forms of civil disobedience will lead to the "restoration of Biafra". In an interview granted to '']'', Nnamdi Kanu opined his belief in the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, "I hope that what we are looking for can be accomplished peacefully. I am an advocate of passive resistance. Gandhi and Martin Luther King tried it to very good effects, so why should it not work in our case?"

Prior to the 2019 presidential election, IPOB had threatened to boycott the election. According to the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, "It is a multi-faceted approach. It is civil disobedience, passive resistance, it is an expression of our resentment of Nigeria and what it represents". His position on election boycotts was widely criticised by local Nigerian politicians who argued to the contrary. On the eve of the election, Nnamdi Kanu lifted the boycott position and urged Biafrans to participate in the election after which he described as his condition as "signed, sealed and delivered".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Onyeji |first=Ebuka |date=2019-02-15 |title=Nigeria: IPOB - Nnamdi Kanu 'Calls-Off' Election Boycott |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201902150197.html |access-date=2020-05-24 |website=allAfrica.com |language=en}}</ref> His shift was received in different quarters as being open to the appeal and opinions of others.

== Insurgency and second arrest ==
{{main|Insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria}}
In December 2020, Kanu announced that IPOB had organized the ] (ESN) which was supposed to defend southeastern Nigerians from bandits and armed ] herders. Kanu later gave all the governors of southeast Nigeria 14 days to ban open-grazing, threatening to deploy the ESN to enforce a ban if the authorities did not do so.<ref>, The Nation, 30 Jan 2021. Accessed 30 Jan 2021.</ref><ref name="sahrepjan222021">, Sahara Reporters, 22 January 2021. Accessed 22 January 2021.</ref>

The Nigerian government regarded the formation of a non-state-sanctioned ] organization as unacceptable and moved to suppress the group. The situation escalated in January 2021 when the Nigerian military was repelled in an attempt to expel the ESN from ]. Before another offensive was launched, Kanu ordered the ESN to withdraw to the bush, temporarily ending the confrontation.<ref name="dpngjan2820212">, Daily Post, 28 Jan 2021. Accessed 28 Jan 2021.</ref> The Nigerian army and air force renewed hostilities on 18 February by launching a military offensive against the ESN; the next day, IPOB declared that as of 18 February, a state of war had existed between Nigeria and Biafra.<ref name="sahrepfeb192021">, Sahara Reports, 19 Feb 2021. Accessed 20 Feb 2021.</ref><ref name="sahrepjan222021" /><ref name="reuters arrested" /><ref name="bbc arrested" /> IPOB and other Biafran separatist groups consequently began to mobilize and fight the security forces across several southern Nigerian states. Despite this, Kanu maintained that IPOB was interested in a non-violent solution of the conflict and that ESN was supposed to fight bandits, not the Nigerian security forces.<ref>{{cite web |author=Seun Opejobi |date=10 June 2021 |title=IPOB clears air on killing 128 security personnel in Imo |url=https://dailypost.ng/2021/06/10/ipob-clears-air-on-killing-128-security-personnel-in-imo/ |access-date=25 June 2021 |work=Daily Post}}</ref> Regardless, Nigerian authorities designated IPOB as terrorist organization and claimed that Kanu was inciting violence.<ref name="reuters arrested" /><ref name="bbc arrested" />

On 27 June 2021, Kanu was allegedly arrested in Kenya<ref name="bbc where" /> or possibly another location<ref name="dw">{{cite web |author= |date=30 June 2021 |title=How Nigeria arrested secessionist leader Nnamdi Kanu |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-nigeria-arrested-secessionist-leader-nnamdi-kanu/a-58111474 |access-date=3 July 2021 |website=DW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=THEWILL_ |date=2021-06-29 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Finally In DSS Custody, Nnamdi Kanu Arrested In Ethiopia |url=https://thewillnigeria.com/news/exclusive-finally-in-dss-custody-nnamdi-kanu-arrested-in-ethiopia/ |access-date=2021-06-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> by ] and extradited to Nigeria where he is supposed to face trial. However, Interpol in 2023 denied any involvement in the arrest.<ref name="reuters arrested" /><ref name="bbc arrested" /><ref name="bbc where" /><ref name="dw" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-02 |title=FG grants Nnamdi Kanu access to lawyer |url=https://www.774ngr.com/2021/07/02/fg-grants-nnamdi-kanu-access-to-lawyer/ |access-date=2021-07-02 |website=774 |language=en-US}}</ref> Kanu's brother claimed that he had been arrested by the Kenyan police. Kenyan High Commissioner ] refuted this claim, stating that Kenyan authorities had not been involved in the arrest and challenged anyone to present evidence proving otherwise. When the ] attempted to request information from Interpol's office in Abuja, the latter did not answer the calls.<ref name="bbc where" />

Kanu's arrest has sparked anger among Biafran separatists and other Nigerians supportive to his cause. The World Igbo Congress (WIC) declared the arrest "illegal abduction and international gangsterism".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-30 |title=World Igbo Congress: Kanu was abducted, treated worse than Boko Haram members |url=https://www.thecable.ng/world-igbo-congress-kanu-was-abducted-treated-worse-than-boko-haram-members |access-date=2021-06-30 |website=TheCable |language=en-US}}</ref> Following his arrest, questions had been raised over what was termed "Kanu's disregard of the Nigerian constitution" to abscond bail in 2017. On the occasion of his arraignment in court on 29 June 2021, Kanu told the presiding judge that the Nigerian military forced him to flee the country in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-29 |title=I might have been killed if I did not leave Nigeria, Nnamdi Kanu tells court |url=https://www.thecable.ng/i-might-have-been-killed-if-i-did-not-leave-nigeria-nnamdi-kanu-tells-court |access-date=2021-06-30 |website=TheCable |language=en-US}}</ref> The trial began in October 2021, with Kanu being accused of "terrorism, treason, involvement with a banned separatist movement, inciting public violence through radio broadcasts, and defamation of Nigerian authorities through broadcasts". He pleaded non-guilty in all cases. The proceedings were accompanied by protests and ]s organized by his supporters.<ref>{{cite web |author=Timothy Obiezu |date=22 October 2021 |title=Nigeria Separatist Leader Pleads Not Guilty to Charges at Start of Trial |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/nigeria-separatist-leader-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges-at-start-of-trial-/6281931.html |access-date=25 October 2021 |work=VOA}}</ref>

On 19 January 2022, Justice Benson Anya of the Abia State High Court ruled that the 2017 arrest of Kanu was unlawful and an infringement on his human rights, and that his abduction and forceful return to Nigeria was "illegal" under local and international laws. Anya also ruled that the Nigerian government should pay Kanu a sum of N1billion as a compensation for the violation of his fundamental human rights.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 January 2021 |title=BREAKING Court Declares Nnamdi Kanu's Arrest As Illegal, Orders Nigerian Government To Pay Him N1billion |url=http://saharareporters.com/2022/01/19/breaking-court-declares-nnamdi-kanus-arrest-illegal-orders-nigerian-government-pay-him |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=Saharara Reporters}}</ref> Despite this ruling, Kanu remained under arrest and the trial continued, as the other charges were still discussed and prosecutors added further charges. Ikemesit Effiong, researcher at a political risk analysis firm, argued that an ultimate conviction of Kanu remained likely, as the "political will exists to make an example of a separatist leader who has caused the central government more than its fair share of headaches".<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=16 February 2022 |title=Nigerian court adjourns trial of separatist leader again |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/16/nigeria-court-again-adjourns-treason-trial-of-separatist-leader |access-date=6 March 2022 |work=al-Jazeera}}</ref>

In December 2023, Nigeria's Supreme Court reinstated terrorism charges against Kanu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-15 |title=Nigeria's Supreme Court reinstates terrorism charges against separatist leader |url=https://apnews.com/article/nnamdi-kanu-supreme-court-ipob-51a637e9f77fc14d49322ee52ef5a0b8 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> As of 2024, his lead counsel is barrister Aloy Ejimakor.<ref name="Vanguard 18 April 2024">{{cite news |title=Ejimakor reacts to Nnamdi Kanu's demands in court |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/04/nnamdi-kanus-lawyer-hails-us-for-condemning-ipob-leaders-detention-in-report/ |access-date=7 June 2024 |work=] |date=18 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="Vanguard 27 April 2024">{{cite news |title=Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer hails US for condemning IPOB leader's detention in report |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/04/nnamdi-kanus-lawyer-hails-us-for-condemning-ipob-leaders-detention-in-report/ |access-date=7 June 2024 |work=] |date=27 April 2024}}</ref> In mid-2024, a number of Nigerian politicians argued for Kanu's release.<ref name="Premium Times 30 June 2024">{{cite news |last1=Ugwu |first1=Chinagorom |title=Peter Obi calls for Nnamdi Kanu's release |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/708328-peter-obi-calls-for-nnamdi-kanus-release.html |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=] |date=30 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Premium Times 23 June 2024">{{cite news |last1=Majeed |first1=Bakare |title='50 Nigerian lawmakers' write Tinubu, seek Nnamdi Kanu's release |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/706313-50-nigerian-lawmakers-write-tinubu-seek-nnamdi-kanus-release.html |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=] |date=23 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

== Controversies ==
{{Tweet
| name = Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
| username = MaziNnamdiKanu
| date = 25 January 2021
| text = "I have not seen this kind of country; how do we live like ANIMALS" - ].

Call a spade a spade. It’s not a country; it’s a #Zoo. But there’s an alternative: #Biafra
| ID = 1353594274454110210
| reference = <ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1353594274454110210 |user=MaziNnamdiKanu |title="I have not seen this kind of country; how do we live like ANIMALS" - Emir of Daura. Call a spade a spade. It's not a country; it's a #Zoo. But there's an alternative: #Biafra |author=Kanu, Nnamdi |date=25 January 2021 |access-date=2 September 2021 |url=https://twitter.com/MaziNnamdiKanu/status/1353594274454110210}}</ref>
}}
Kanu has since the beginning of his advocacy made highly controversial comments on various occasions.


* Death Threats and calls for violence:
==Controversy==
On 5 September 2015, Nnamdi Kanu was a guest speaker at the World Igbo Congress which was held in ], ], where he told his audience that ''"we need guns and we need bullets"''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Egbejule |first=Eromo |last=Anyadike |first=Obi |date=16 December 2016 |title=Nigeria fails to come to grips with separatist “New Biafra” |url=https://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2016/12/16/nigeria-fails-come-grips-separatist-%E2%80%9Cnew-biafra%E2%80%9D |newspaper=] |location= |access-date=22 August 2017 }}</ref> ** In September 2015, in a heated address to the ] in Los Angeles, Kanu said, "we need guns and we need bullets" in reference to armed conflict.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mpi |first1=Nwokoye |title=Nigeria: Who is Nnamdi Kanu? From Biafra secession, to follower incitation |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/97552/nigeria-who-is-nnamdi-kanu-from-biafra-secession-to-follower-incitation/ |access-date=9 December 2021 |website=]}}</ref>
Kanu in an interview in June 2017 explained his comment, saying that he demanded for bullets and guns from a group of US-based Nigerians for self-defense against the incessant ] on Igbos by ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Chijioke |first=Jannah |date=27 June 2017 |title=Biafra: Why I asked for guns from US-based NigeriansNnamdi Kanu |url=http://dailypost.ng/2017/06/27/biafra-asked-guns-us-based-nigerians-nnamdi-kanu-video/ |newspaper=] |location= |access-date=22 August 2017 }}</ref> ** In 2015, after ] Superintendent ] said ] would remain united, Kanu threatened his life, saying "Pastor ] should be stoned and dealt with thoroughly if he comes to ] for his planned crusade."<ref name="DNS">{{cite web |last1=Opejobi |first1=Seun |date=29 September 2017 |title=Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu is a terrorist, he once asked IPOB members to kill YorubasGroup |url=https://dailypost.ng/2017/09/29/biafra-nnamdi-kanu-terrorist-asked-ipob-members-kill-yorubas-group/ |access-date=17 July 2021 |website=Daily Post}}</ref>
** In 2017, a video of Kanu was released wherein he issued an open death threat to former Nigerian president ]. He had told a gathering of supporters at his home that if any harm comes to him, members of IPOB should eliminate Obasanjo and his lineage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-07-06 |title=Nnamdi Kanu Threatens To Kill Obasanjo |url=http://saharareporters.com/2017/07/06/nnamdi-kanu-threatens-kill-obasanjo |access-date=2020-04-14 |website=Sahara Reporters}}</ref> This was in reference to Obasanjo's statement at a gathering in Abuja that all must be done to stop IPOB.
** Kanu said, "Nigeria should prepare for war, we are coming to annihilate you, my secret service are already studying the zoo and strategising" when referencing armed attacks by IPOB.<ref name="DNS" />
** "If you find anybody in your village asking after Radio Biafra, kill the baboon ], ], or ] bastard. Let them keep searching as we keep tweeting for #Biafra."<ref name="Quotes">{{cite web |last1=Ojo |first1=Fola |date=2 July 2021 |title=Nnamdi Kanu: An idea that may never die |url=https://punchng.com/nnamdi-kanu-an-idea-that-may-never-die/ |access-date=17 July 2021 |website=]}}</ref>
* Hate speech against other ethnic groups and Igbos that do not support him along with racist anti-Nigerian rhetoric:
** "Niger Deltans are cowards; we know what to do to them. Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Cross Rivers states are our territory, and anybody who tries to oppose us will be crushed."<ref name="Quotes" />
** "Yoruba Pentecostalism is the reason why ] are invading us today."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Omokri |first1=Reno |author1-link=Reno Omokri |title=What would life be as a minority in Kanu's Biafra? |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/07/what-would-life-be-as-a-minority-in-kanus-biafra/ |access-date=17 July 2021 |website=]}}</ref>
** "Any army they send to Biafraland will die there. None will return alive. even if it require sacrificing my people I will do it"<ref>{{cite web |date=5 June 2021 |title=Twitter deletes Nnamdi Kanu's post for 'violating rules' |url=https://www.thecable.ng/twitter-deletes-nnamdi-kanus-post-for-violating-rules/amp |access-date=16 October 2021 |website=The Cable}}</ref>


==See also==
On 20 October 2015, '']'' announced that Kanu had been released on bail. However, media sources supporting the objectives of IPOB called the bail "controversial" and claimed the DSS announced the bail only "to calm the angry people of Biafra".<ref name="Ludovica Iaccino"/>Kanu has finally been released on bail by justice Binta Nyako for health reasons.
*]


==References== == References ==
{{Reflist|30em}} {{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 08:59, 13 December 2024

British political activist

Nnamdi Kanu
Kanu in 2021
BornNwannekaenyi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu
(1967-09-25) 25 September 1967 (age 57)
Isiama Afara, Biafra
CitizenshipBritish
EducationUniversity of Nigeria, Nsukka
OccupationActivist
Notable workRadio Biafra
MovementIndigenous People of Biafra
SpouseUchechi Okwu Kanu
Websiteipob.org

Nnamdi Okwu Kanu // (born 25 September 1967) is a British political activist known for advocating for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria. He is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which he founded in 2012. The main aim of IPOB is to restore the defunct Republic of Biafra which existed in Nigeria's Eastern Region during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970.

As the director of a United Kingdom-registered radio station named Radio Biafra, Kanu propagated Biafran separatism. He was arrested on treason charges in Lagos, Nigeria on 14 October 2015 and was detained for more than a year, despite various court orders that ruled for his release. When in court, Kanu appeared regularly wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and head covering. He said in court, that he "believes in Judaism" and considers himself a Jew. He has led his Biafran people to various Jewish prayers and religious observations on different occasions. On 28 April 2017, Kanu was released from prison on bail. Nigerian security forces attempted to quash IPOB's armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, which culminated in a low-level conflict in early 2021. Despite the fighting, Kanu maintained that IPOB was interested in a peaceful solution and achieving Biafran independence without violence or harm. In June 2021, he was widely reported to have been allegedly re-arrested by Interpol in Kenya and handed over to Nigeria but in April 2024, Interpol denied any involvement in the arrest and consequent rendition to Nigeria.

Early life

Kanu was born 25 September 1967 in Isiama Afara Ukwu, Umuahia — within the claimed territory of the Republic of Biafra a few months after it had declared independence from Nigeria. His father, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu (JP), and his mother, Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu, were Nigerian traditional monarchs. He attended Library Avenue Primary School and went to Government College Umuahia for his secondary education. He studied at University of Nigeria, Nsukka and moved to the UK before graduating.

Early activism

Kanu began his activism for the freedom of Biafra as a Radio Biafra director and anchor of Biafra awareness under Ralph Uwazuruike, leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), who said while in a meeting in Kaduna, Nigeria on 12 June 2014, that he handed over Radio Biafra to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB but Kanu disappointed him. Radio Biafra however, was established by the defunct Biafran government in 1967 with the aim of championing the Biafran cause. Kanu was a relatively obscure figure until 2009 when he started Radio Biafra, a station that called for an independent state for the Igbo people and broadcast to Nigeria from London. In 2014, he founded IPOB. On 5 September 2015, Nnamdi Kanu was a guest speaker at the World Igbo Congress which was held in Los Angeles, where he told his audience "we need guns and we need bullets".

Imprisonment

Arrest

On 18 October 2015, it was reported that Kanu had been arrested in Lagos State by Nigeria's secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu had told his solicitors that on 14 October 2015, he was arrested by the agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the State Security Service (SSS), in his hotel room at the Golden Tulip Essential Hotel Ikeja, Lagos State. The solicitors in a press briefing said, between 14 and 17 October 2015 their client's whereabouts were unknown until 18 October 2015, when the press media broke the news of his arrest and detention by the SSS in Abuja. The news of the arrest of Kanu generated protests across Delta State, Enugu State, Rivers State, Cross River State, Abia State, Imo State, Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State and Anambra State.

Detention

On 19 October 2015, it was reported that Nnamdi Kanu had been granted bail after a secret arraignment at Magistrate Court, Wuse 11. However, the bail seemed "controversial" and there were claims the DSS announced the bail only "to calm the angry people of Biafra".

Court jurisdiction

The Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Abuja on 18 November 2015 ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to produce Kanu at the court on 23 November 2015. However, it was reported the Department of State Services (DSS) obtained a "secret court order to detain Nnamdi Kanu". Kanu's lawyer, Vincent Obetta, in an interview said whilst in court, the prosecutor gave him a document containing a court order permitting the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain Kanu for the next three months to "conclude what they said was an investigation of terrorism and terrorism financing".

Court trial

Kanu was finally arraigned on 23 November 2015 in an Abuja Magistrate Court for the first time for charges of "criminal conspiracy, intimidation and membership of an illegal organisation" by Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS). The charges violate "Section 97, 97B and 397" of Nigeria's penal code. Chief Magistrate S. Usman had, at the last adjourned date, berated the Department of State Services (DSS) over its failure to produce Kanu in court on the two consecutive times the matter came up before the court. Meanwhile, Kanu's supporters stormed Nigeria's capital city of Abuja in luxury buses on a peaceful protest for their leader who was arraigned by the Federal Government before the Wuse Zone 2 Magistrate Court, Abuja on 23 November 2015. Pro-Biafra protesters with placards sang and danced outside the court premises whilst the hearing proceeded. Protesters wore T-shirts and caps with inscriptions like "Biafra Now or Never", "Buhari Release Kanu For Us", "On Biafra We Stand". More protests by IPOB members numbering over 15,000 grounded vehicular movements in the southeastern key economic city of Onitsha concurrently. It was the same with over 20,000 protesters in Aba, Abia State on the same day.

Kanu, through his counsel, filed an application asking the federal authorities to transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to prison. His lawyer, Obetta, insisted that transferring his client to prison would enable him to have easy access to his legal team.

Whilst in court, the Department of State Services (DSS) requested the Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates' Court, to discontinue the trial of Nnamdi Kanu under section 108(1) of administration of criminal justice act 2015. Idakwo further said the Department of State Services (DSS) had obtained an order from the Federal High Court, Abuja, dated 10 November, to detain the accused in its custody for 90 days. However, Kanu's lawyer Obetta objected to the continued detention of his client. Obetta prayed the court not to discontinue the case because the prosecution did not present any information from the Attorney-General of Nigeria Federation who had the authority to approve such. Obetta also told the court that "the DSS violated the order of the court which granted bail that was perfected but not granted, adding that the accused had been in Department of State Services (DSS) custody since he was arrested." The court's magistrate, Usman Shuaibu, after listening to both counsels, adjourned the matter until 1 December 2015 for ruling.

Prison release and disappearance

On 20 October 2015, Vanguard announced that Kanu had been released on bail. However, media sources supporting the objectives of IPOB called the bail "controversial" and claimed the DSS announced the bail only "to calm the angry people of Biafra". Kanu has finally been released on bail by Justice Binta Nyako for health reasons.

Kanu disappeared from public view after his home was raided by the Nigerian military, in September 2017, an event which led to the deaths of 28 IPOB members. Not being seen in public for over a year, there was wide-ranging speculation regarding his whereabouts, with members of the IPOB accusing the Buhari government of having abducted him. However, in October 2018, unattributed photographs and videos, apparently placing him in Israel, were widely circulated on social media, and this was later confirmed by mainstream media.

Despite him resurfacing, his exact location and living place continued to remain unclear over the next years.

Continued activism

In an interview in June 2017, Kanu demanded bullets and guns from a group of US-based Nigerians for self-defense against the incessant attacks on Igbos by the Fulani herdsmen which were currently reoccurring in Biafra lands.

Kanu's pronounced strategy has been the application of civil disobedience in pressing home his demand for the freedom of his people. In various air broadcasts, Nnamdi Kanu stated how his adoption of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi's forms of civil disobedience will lead to the "restoration of Biafra". In an interview granted to Newsweek, Nnamdi Kanu opined his belief in the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, "I hope that what we are looking for can be accomplished peacefully. I am an advocate of passive resistance. Gandhi and Martin Luther King tried it to very good effects, so why should it not work in our case?"

Prior to the 2019 presidential election, IPOB had threatened to boycott the election. According to the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, "It is a multi-faceted approach. It is civil disobedience, passive resistance, it is an expression of our resentment of Nigeria and what it represents". His position on election boycotts was widely criticised by local Nigerian politicians who argued to the contrary. On the eve of the election, Nnamdi Kanu lifted the boycott position and urged Biafrans to participate in the election after which he described as his condition as "signed, sealed and delivered". His shift was received in different quarters as being open to the appeal and opinions of others.

Insurgency and second arrest

Main article: Insurgency in Southeastern Nigeria

In December 2020, Kanu announced that IPOB had organized the Eastern Security Network (ESN) which was supposed to defend southeastern Nigerians from bandits and armed Fulani herders. Kanu later gave all the governors of southeast Nigeria 14 days to ban open-grazing, threatening to deploy the ESN to enforce a ban if the authorities did not do so.

The Nigerian government regarded the formation of a non-state-sanctioned paramilitary organization as unacceptable and moved to suppress the group. The situation escalated in January 2021 when the Nigerian military was repelled in an attempt to expel the ESN from Orlu, Imo. Before another offensive was launched, Kanu ordered the ESN to withdraw to the bush, temporarily ending the confrontation. The Nigerian army and air force renewed hostilities on 18 February by launching a military offensive against the ESN; the next day, IPOB declared that as of 18 February, a state of war had existed between Nigeria and Biafra. IPOB and other Biafran separatist groups consequently began to mobilize and fight the security forces across several southern Nigerian states. Despite this, Kanu maintained that IPOB was interested in a non-violent solution of the conflict and that ESN was supposed to fight bandits, not the Nigerian security forces. Regardless, Nigerian authorities designated IPOB as terrorist organization and claimed that Kanu was inciting violence.

On 27 June 2021, Kanu was allegedly arrested in Kenya or possibly another location by Interpol and extradited to Nigeria where he is supposed to face trial. However, Interpol in 2023 denied any involvement in the arrest. Kanu's brother claimed that he had been arrested by the Kenyan police. Kenyan High Commissioner Wilfred Machage refuted this claim, stating that Kenyan authorities had not been involved in the arrest and challenged anyone to present evidence proving otherwise. When the BBC attempted to request information from Interpol's office in Abuja, the latter did not answer the calls.

Kanu's arrest has sparked anger among Biafran separatists and other Nigerians supportive to his cause. The World Igbo Congress (WIC) declared the arrest "illegal abduction and international gangsterism". Following his arrest, questions had been raised over what was termed "Kanu's disregard of the Nigerian constitution" to abscond bail in 2017. On the occasion of his arraignment in court on 29 June 2021, Kanu told the presiding judge that the Nigerian military forced him to flee the country in 2017. The trial began in October 2021, with Kanu being accused of "terrorism, treason, involvement with a banned separatist movement, inciting public violence through radio broadcasts, and defamation of Nigerian authorities through broadcasts". He pleaded non-guilty in all cases. The proceedings were accompanied by protests and general strikes organized by his supporters.

On 19 January 2022, Justice Benson Anya of the Abia State High Court ruled that the 2017 arrest of Kanu was unlawful and an infringement on his human rights, and that his abduction and forceful return to Nigeria was "illegal" under local and international laws. Anya also ruled that the Nigerian government should pay Kanu a sum of N1billion as a compensation for the violation of his fundamental human rights. Despite this ruling, Kanu remained under arrest and the trial continued, as the other charges were still discussed and prosecutors added further charges. Ikemesit Effiong, researcher at a political risk analysis firm, argued that an ultimate conviction of Kanu remained likely, as the "political will exists to make an example of a separatist leader who has caused the central government more than its fair share of headaches".

In December 2023, Nigeria's Supreme Court reinstated terrorism charges against Kanu. As of 2024, his lead counsel is barrister Aloy Ejimakor. In mid-2024, a number of Nigerian politicians argued for Kanu's release.

Controversies

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu @MaziNnamdiKanu Twitter logo, a stylized blue bird

"I have not seen this kind of country; how do we live like ANIMALS" - Emir of Daura.

Call a spade a spade. It’s not a country; it’s a #Zoo. But there’s an alternative: #Biafra

25 January 2021

Kanu has since the beginning of his advocacy made highly controversial comments on various occasions.

  • Death Threats and calls for violence:
    • In September 2015, in a heated address to the World Igbo Congress in Los Angeles, Kanu said, "we need guns and we need bullets" in reference to armed conflict.
    • In 2015, after Deeper Christian Life Ministry Superintendent William Kumuyi said Nigeria would remain united, Kanu threatened his life, saying "Pastor Kumuyi should be stoned and dealt with thoroughly if he comes to Aba for his planned crusade."
    • In 2017, a video of Kanu was released wherein he issued an open death threat to former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo. He had told a gathering of supporters at his home that if any harm comes to him, members of IPOB should eliminate Obasanjo and his lineage. This was in reference to Obasanjo's statement at a gathering in Abuja that all must be done to stop IPOB.
    • Kanu said, "Nigeria should prepare for war, we are coming to annihilate you, my secret service are already studying the zoo and strategising" when referencing armed attacks by IPOB.
    • "If you find anybody in your village asking after Radio Biafra, kill the baboon Hausa, Fulani, or Yoruba bastard. Let them keep searching as we keep tweeting for #Biafra."
  • Hate speech against other ethnic groups and Igbos that do not support him along with racist anti-Nigerian rhetoric:
    • "Niger Deltans are cowards; we know what to do to them. Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Cross Rivers states are our territory, and anybody who tries to oppose us will be crushed."
    • "Yoruba Pentecostalism is the reason why Fulanis are invading us today."
    • "Any army they send to Biafraland will die there. None will return alive. even if it require sacrificing my people I will do it"

See also

References

  1. "While answering question on why he travels with the Nigerian passport, the IPOB leader said "Nigeria is not my country, I was born a Biafran, my birth certificate reads Biafra and no one has ever changed that". Sun News. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  2. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerian-judge-denies-separatist-leader-kanu-bail-second-time-2024-05-20/
  3. ^ Hegarty, Stephanie (5 May 2017). "Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu: The man behind Nigeria's separatists". London, UK: BBC. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  4. "Nnamdi Kanu's wife speaks: 'My husband is a prisoner of conscience'". International Business Times. 1 December 2015. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
  5. "Fani kayode Sends Birthday Greetings to Nnamdi Kanu @52". akelicious.net. 26 September 2019. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  6. Mahr, Krista (30 April 2019). "The dream of Biafra lives on in underground Nigerian radio broadcasts". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 November 2019. A frequent voice on Radio Biafra is its founder, 51-year-old Nnamdi Kanu, who is patched in from London.
  7. Camillus, Eboh (20 May 2024). "Nigerian judge denies separatist leader Kanu bail for the second time". Reuters.
  8. "I'm a British citizen, ask Buhari to release me; Nnamdi Kanu tells UK". Vanguard News. 30 March 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  9. Leavitt, Jericho (8 November 2023). "Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)". The Modern Insurgent. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  10. Allison, Simon (6 October 2017). "Mystery of the missing Biafran separatist". The M&G Online. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  11. ^ "Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu: The man behind Nigeria's separatists". BBC News. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  12. "Nigeria police shoot Biafra supporters". BBC News. 18 December 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  13. Freeman, Colin (21 January 2017). "The man fighting for independence of the West African nation of Biafra... from a flat in Peckham". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  14. "What's An Igbo 'Jewish High Priest' Doing at Center of Political Drama in Nigeria?". The Forward. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
  15. ^ "Biafran separatist leader arrested and will face trial, Nigeria says". Reuters. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  16. ^ "Nnamdi Kanu: Nigeria arrests Biafra separatist leader". BBC. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  17. ^ "Where was Nnamdi Kanu arrested?: Ipob leader arrest extradition location - Wetin we sabi". BBC (in Nigerian Pidgin). 30 June 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
  18. "INTERPOL Says It's Not Aware, Not Involved In Rendition Of IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu From Kenya". Sahara Reporters. 30 April 2024.
  19. "Appeal Court: Nnamdi Kanu contends with Abuja court over trial jurisdiction". InflowPost. 9 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  20. "I'm proud of Nnamdi Kanu, he's just like me — Father". Punch Newspapers. 14 February 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  21. "Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who was born on 25th September 1967 in the heat of the Biafra War. He was issued a Biafran Birth Certificate, becoming a Biafran Citizen by Birth.'". Biafra Twitter. 24 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  22. "Uwazuruike: I handed over Radio Biafra to Kanu but he allowed politicians to hijack it". TheCable. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
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