Britain denies alleged London arrest
AG says he was with Nigerian passport
Nigerians speculate wildly on how and where the Nigerian Govt could have arrested separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, brought to court today.
Federal Attorney General Abubakar Malami said in a statement today that Kanu was returned to Nigeria to continue with his trial for treasonable felony and 10 other charges.
The social media played up several scenario that claim Kanu was arrested in the UK, Brazil, Czech Republic, Benin, and Ivory Coast.
Kanu, a British national who also holds a Nigerian passport as well, has lived in South London from where he broadcasts on his pirate Radio Biafra.
British officials however told The Guardian of London today that Kanu was not arrested on British soil.
Several persons with links to security agencies however said it is most likely he was picked up in Ethiopia.
But others with sources at the Ethiopian judiciary system said no extradition requests have been made to that country.
Attorney General Abubakar Malami’s statement (see below) did not help matters either. It also did not disclose where Kanu met his Waterloo.
The statement, however, revealed two significant points that show he may not have been picked up in British soil.
Malami said the IPOB leader was “intercepted,” meaning he was probably on transit at the time of arrest.
He also gave details of the travel document he may have used for the journey – a Nigerian passport.
This could mean that Kanu has more than one passport as he was forced to deposit his Nigerian and British passports in an Abuja court at the time of his trial.
Statement by Attorney General Malami
Self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been arrested through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.
He has been brought back to Nigeria in order to continue facing trial after disappearing while on bail regarding 11 count charge against him.
Recent steps taken by the Federal Government saw to the interception of the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day of June, 2021.
Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwu-Kanu, born 25th day of September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia State is a holder of Nigerian Passport No. A05136827 first issued 17th October 2013 at FESTAC, Lagos.
It is recalled that Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015 on 11-count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others.
A judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja revoked Kanu’s bail that was granted him on health ground and issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the same date, over his failure to appear in court for hearing.
He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts against Nigeria and Nigerian State and institutions.
Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in the Southeastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, para military, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.
Abubakar Malami, SAN
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
29th June, 2021
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