EXCLUSIVE: How Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Kenya

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TheLeadng has exclusively gotten more detail on the event that led to the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in Kenya.

Kanu had traveled to Israel, having transited from Germany to Israel before heading to Kenya, where he was intercepted on Saturday night, June 26.

Giving an insight into how Kanu was arrested, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, Intersociety 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.

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 continuation of his trial where he jumped bail’ and escaped ‘from judicial justice’.

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 Saturday night of June 26 2021 in Kenya, a member of the African Union.

“He had traveled 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 continuation of his trial where he jumped bail’ and escaped ‘from judicial justice’.

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 the abduction of Nnamdi Kanu.

The statement said, “This evil crime of kidnapping was masterminded by the Nigeria Government in collaboration with all those that view IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as stumbling block against their bid to hold Biafra in perpetual slavery.

We, therefore, enjoin every IPOB member both at home and in the Diaspora and all Biafrans to remain calm because this is not the end of the road.”

The group enjoined every member to mobilise and be in court on the adjourned trial date