An Israeli parliament member has written to the United Nations demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who is serving a life sentence in Sokoto Prison for terrorism-related charges.
MK Afef Abed sent the letter September 1 to the UN Secretary-General, the UN Human Rights Commissioner and the chair of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Abed cited a 2022 UN working group opinion that found Kanu’s detention was unlawful and called for his immediate release and compensation.
The Israeli lawmaker said the group’s findings carry significant weight and deserve serious attention from the international community.
Kanu was convicted by a Nigerian Federal High Court in November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges.
Abed stressed that subsequent legal developments do not erase the UN’s concerns about the circumstances of his arrest in Kenya, his transfer to Nigeria and whether his rights were protected.
The letter urged the UN to request Nigeria provide details on how it has responded to the working group’s recommendations, issue a public update on implementation, maintain dialogue with Nigeria on due process standards, and continue monitoring Kanu’s detention and health.
Abed noted that US Congressman John James has also called for Kanu’s release and raised concerns about his medical care and access to treatment.
The Israeli lawmaker said strengthening respect for international human rights mechanisms serves the interests of all democracies.
