Israeli Lawmaker Urges UN to Secure Nnamdi Kanu's Release

Afef Abed, a member of the Israeli Knesset, has formally requested the United Nations to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently imprisoned in Sokoto Prison, Nigeria, serving a life sentence following terrorism charges. In a letter dated September 1, 2026, addressed to the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Abed emphasized his commitment to human rights and international law.

He referenced the UN Working Group's Opinion No. 25/2022, which deemed Kanu's detention arbitrary and called for his immediate release, along with compensation and reparations. The letter also highlighted the need for investigations into the circumstances surrounding Kanu's arrest in Kenya and subsequent transfer to Nigeria, underscoring the importance of the Working Group's recommendations in safeguarding fundamental rights.