LONDON Question for written answer P-009557/2016 to the Commission (Vice-President / High Representative) Rule 130 Julie Ward (S&) Subject: VP/HR - Unlawful detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and continued violence against Biafran supporters by the Nigerian Government Since 14 October 2015, Nnamdi Kanu has been illegally held in prison by the Nigerian Government, despite being acquitted of all charges. In addition, the Nigerian Government is reportedly violating the human rights of Biafran activists. Amnesty International has documented cases of arrest, enforced disappearance, torture and killing of supporters. 1. Will the VP/HR advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and co-defendants Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, and challenge the actions of the Nigerian Government? 2. Will the VP/HR denounce the violence carried out against Biafran supporters by Nigerian security forces and call for an impartial investigation into the arrest, enforced disappearance, torture and killing of supporters and members of pro-Biafran groups? 3. Will the VP/HR push the Nigerian Government to safeguard human rights by calling for guarantees on the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens, including their right to protest without harm, and the termination of violence against Biafrans? EN P-009557/2016 Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the Commission (2.2.2017) The European Union (EU) is concerned about the violence that has erupted in relation to the Biafra movement. The EU follows closely the fate of Nwannekaenyi “Nnmadi” Kenny Okwu Kanu, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi since their arrest in October 2015 and, more broadly, pays close attention to the treatment of the pro- Biafra movement by Nigerian authorities. The EU supports individuals' right to protest and express them freely, as long as this right is exercised in a peaceful manner. Potential prosecutions should also be carried out in a manner compatible with the rule of law. The EU raises human rights issues at every opportunity with the Nigerian authorities, to encourage them to respect human rights, and to improve the rule of law. This issue will be on the agenda of the next EU – Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue due to take place in Abuja this spring. In the implementation of the European Development Fund, the Commission is also engaged in building capacities to enable Nigeria to fulfil its human rights commitments, as “rule of law, governance and democracy” is one of the three sectors of concentration of the National Indicative Programme for Nigeria.

EVERY BIAFRAN SHOULD STOP BELONG TO ALL THESE ENGLISH CLUBS AS FANS, bRITAIN IS OUR WORST ENEMY IN THIS PLANET EARTH . THE MASTERS OF DIVIDE AND RULE.. IF SHOCKED WHEN I SEE BIAFRANS SUPPORTING CLUB SIDES OF THEIR NUMBER ONE OPPRESSORS