Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother Loses UK Court Case On Kanu’s Detention

The brother of separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, lost a legal challenge against the British government about his constant detention in Nigeria.

Kingsley Kanu brought a judicial review of London’s alleged refusal to officially acknowledge that Nnamdi Kanu was the victim of extraordinary rendition and unlawful detention.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled in October last year that Nnamdi Kanu was abducted, ill-treated and “illegally moved” from Kenya to Nigeria to face treason and terrorism charges.

The judges dismissed the criminal case, however, Nigerian prosecutors have appealed and Kanu, who is in his mid-50s, is still in custody.

In London, judge Jonathan Swift rejected Kingsley Kanu’s application that the UK foreign ministry should rule on whether he was extraordinarily rendered and call for his release.

Swift rejected the brother’s argument that the foreign secretary had “acted irrationally” by not doing so, and said the minister had the right to determine what was in the UK’s diplomatic interests.

The Kanu family lawyers have argued that the case should lead to a reassessment of what official help is given to British nationals held abroad, particularly when there are suspected human rights violations.