The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has commended the High Court of Kenya for its landmark decision declaring the 2021 arrest and extradition of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, unlawful and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on June 24, 2025, the Nairobi-based court ruled that Kanu’s abduction, secret detention, alleged torture, and eventual transfer to Nigeria violated both Kenyan law and international human rights standards.
Reacting to the verdict, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful described the ruling as a “resounding judicial earthquake.” He praised lead counsel Professor PLO Lumumba and his legal team for what he called a historic legal victory.
“We are deeply grateful to Professor PLO Lumumba and his team for securing this monumental judgment. The court has affirmed what we’ve always maintained: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu committed no crime in Kenya. He entered the country legally as a British citizen and was abducted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Nigeria’s secret police, acting in collusion with rogue Kenyan security agents,” IPOB stated.
According to IPOB, the court found the Kenyan government complicit in the operation and ordered it to pay Kanu 10 million Kenyan shillings in damages.
The judgment reportedly stated: “He was tortured and held incommunicado, in violation of the Kenyan Constitution. His removal from Kenya was unconstitutional and illegal. The Kenyan government was complicit in the unlawful operation alongside the Nigerian authorities.”
IPOB also used the ruling to call out former leaders including ex-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami saying their legacies are now stained by their roles in the case.
“This is the beginning of a global campaign for justice and accountability. Every individual involved whether in Kenya, Nigeria, or elsewhere will be pursued under international law for crimes against humanity,” the group vowed.
IPOB went on to praise Justice E.C. Mwita for what it called “judicial bravery,” dedicating the judgment to oppressed people across the world.
“This verdict sends a powerful message to tyrants everywhere: borders can no longer protect violators of human rights.”
In a pointed message to Nigeria’s judiciary, IPOB concluded, “Let this ruling serve as a mirror. Justice demands courage, not silence. The truth is out. Kenya has spoken justice is on the rise.”
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