Israeli lawmaker writes UN, demands Nnamdi Kanu’s release

A member of the Israeli Knesset, MK Afef Abed, has written to the United Nations, UN, demanding the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Knesset is the single-chamber parliament and supreme legislative body of the State of Israel.

Kanu is currently serving a life sentence in Sokoto Prison, following his conviction on terrorism charges brought against him by the Nigerian government.

The letter, which DAILY POST obtained on Thursday, was dated September 1, 2026 and addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Chair-Rapporteur of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

Abed demanded the implementation of the opinion and recommendations of a UN working group which investigated Kanu’s detention.

In the letter titled, ‘Call for the Implementation of the Opinion and Recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Concerning Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’, the Israeli lawmaker said he was prompted to pen the letter due to his commitment to human rights, and respect for due process and international law.

The letter read, “I am writing to you as a Member of the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, out of a deep commitment to the principles of the rule of law, human rights, due process, and respect for international law.

“The case of Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu received the formal attention of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in its Opinion No. 25/2022. In that Opinion, the Working Group concluded that Mr. Kanu’s deprivation of liberty was arbitrary and called upon the Governments of Nigeria and Kenya to take the necessary steps to remedy his situation without delay. The Working Group stated that the appropriate remedy would be his immediate release and the granting of an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law.

*The Working Group also addressed the circumstances surrounding Mr. Kanu’s arrest in Kenya and his transfer to Nigeria, and called upon the Governments concerned to investigate the circumstances surrounding these events in accordance with international law.

“The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is an important mechanism of the United Nations human rights system. Its opinions and recommendations carry significant legal and public importance and deserve serious consideration and appropriate follow-up. Its work reflects the international community’s commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and ensuring that every individual receives the protections guaranteed under international human rights law, irrespective of identity, beliefs, opinions, political views, or religion.

“Over the years, several legal proceedings concerning Mr. Kanu have taken place in Nigeria and beyond, including proceedings addressing his rights and the legal implications of the circumstances surrounding his return to Nigeria. These proceedings have raised significant legal questions regarding his fundamental rights and the circumstances of his detention and transfer.

“Since the adoption of Opinion No. 25/2022, there have also been significant legal developments concerning Mr. Kanu. In November 2025, he was convicted by a Nigerian Federal High Court on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. These subsequent developments do not diminish the importance of the serious concerns and findings set out by the Working Group in its 2022 Opinion. They further emphasize the importance of ensuring that all proceedings concerning Mr. Kanu comply with applicable international standards of due process and human rights.

“I wish to express my appreciation for the professional and independent work of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in examining Mr. Kanu’s case. I respectfully call upon the United Nations and its relevant mechanisms to continue following this matter and to examine whether the Working Group’s Opinion and recommendations have been implemented.

“In light of the above, I respectfully ask you to consider the following steps: 1. Review the implementation of Opinion No. 25/2022 and request an official update from the Government of Nigeria regarding the measures it has taken in response to the Working Group’s findings and recommendations.

2. Consider providing an official public update, to the extent permitted under United Nations procedures, regarding the implementation of the Working Group’s Opinion and recommendations.

3. Encourage continued dialogue with the Government of Nigeria with a view to ensuring that all legal proceedings concerning Mr. Kanu are conducted in accordance with applicable international human rights standards and Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

4. Consider continued involvement and monitoring by the relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Working Group and other relevant mandate holders, in light of any new developments concerning Mr. Kanu’s right to due process, his fundamental rights, and the conditions of his detention.

5. Encourage a lawful and rights-respecting resolution based on respect for the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and meaningful consideration and implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.”

The Israeli lawmaker noted that members of the United States Congress had called for the release of the IPOB leader.

The letter added, “Recently, U.S. Congressman John James has also called for the immediate release of Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Furthermore, serious concerns have been raised regarding Mr. Kanu’s health condition, including allegations that the Nigerian authorities have failed to provide him with adequate medical care and have prevented his personal physician from providing him with the necessary treatment. Such allegations, particularly where the health and fundamental rights of a detainee are concerned, warrant serious attention and examination by the relevant international human rights mechanisms.

“As a Member of the Knesset of the State of Israel, I believe that strengthening respect for international legal institutions and human rights mechanisms is a shared interest of all democratic societies. When an official United Nations mechanism issues a reasoned Opinion following an independent examination of a case, its findings and recommendations deserve appropriate weight and meaningful efforts toward their implementation.

“I respectfully urge the relevant United Nations bodies to continue their professional, consistent, and independent engagement with this matter and to promote respect for human rights, the rule of law, and due process.

“I sincerely hope that a responsible and dignified resolution can be reached, consistent with the principles of international law and the fundamental rights of Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

Israeli lawmaker writes UN, demands Nnamdi Kanu’s release