The United Nations despatched what it called ‘Urgent Appeals” to both the Nigerian and Kenyan Governments respectively, demanding immediate stoppage of any torture or violation of rights committed against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
UN also warned of serious consequences if the allegations of torture and violation of fundamental human rights against the IPOB leader were confirmed.
UN’s “Urgent Appeals” to Nigeria and Kenya according to a statement by Kanunta have been transmitted to both countries since August 26, and acknowledgment received from the Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on September 17.
It further read:” If confirmed, these allegations would constitute prima facie violations of fundamental human rights, including the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of liberty, and the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment under the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights (ICCPR).
“While awaiting a reply, we urge that all necessary interim measures be taken to prevent any irreparable damage to the life or personal integrity of Mr. Kanu, halt the alleged violations and prevent their re-occurrence and in the event that the investigations support or suggest the allegations to be correct, to ensure the accountability of any person responsible of the alleged violations”.
“These interventions were not made known to the general public because the applicable rules, especially that of the United Nations, required them to be kept confidential for sixty days.
“It is important to emphasize that this is just the beginning of more United Nations and other global strong actions that would be seen in the coming weeks. While we await for such actions to unfold, we wish to inform the public that we will remain resolute and relentless in bringing the full weight of the international community to bear on the unconditional release of me brother and leader without further delay.”
