BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Emergingnation3(m): 7:23pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
BREAKING: UN demands immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu ...Indicts Nigeria, Kenya governmentsReprieve may have come the way of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as the United Nations has called for his immediate release.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, is being tried on the charges of treason by the Federal Government of Nigeria in a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
According to a document from the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the UN, has called on the Nigerian Government to, “immediately release Kanu unconditionally” and pay him adequate compensations for the arbitrary violation of his fundamental human rights.
It also recommended that Government officials responsible for the torture meted to the IPOB Leader be investigated and punished.
The United Nations, had waded into the matter of the arrest and extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya in 2021 and indicted both Nigeria and Kenya for Kanu’s unlawful arrest and rendition.
The apex world body not only wants officials responsible for his torture and rights violations punished but also given Nigeria six months to comply with the demand.
In the full opinion which was made available to sunnewsonline.com , the United Nations, through the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, indicted both Nigeria and Kenya Governments for the arrest and extraordinary rendition, torture and continued detention of Kanu without due process.
The UN body further directed Nigeria to report back within six months of the transmission of its opinions on Kanu’s matter, steps taken to comply with all the recommendations thereof.
It referred the case of Kanu’s torture to Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for further consideration.
The UN Working Group also threatened to take further action to ensure the recommendations are complied with, noting that both Nigeria and Kenya are signatories to the Convention and should comply.
The 16-page report dated July 20, 2022 was adopted on April 4 by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its 93rd session, held between March 30 and April 8, 2022.
The unedited version of the document sighted by sunnewsonline.com, and was marked: “Opinions adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its ninety-third session, 30 March – 8 April 2022,” the Working Group said in the report that Kanu was a victim of State persecution as Nigeria failed to provide convincing explanations with proof that he is guilty of treason and other criminal allegations levelled against him.
UN Working Group said: “Noting the failure of the Government to explain what actions of Mr. Kanu amounted to such criminal acts and how, and observing the lack of any evidence that any of his actions may in fact amount to such crimes, the Working Group concludes that Mr. Kanu is in fact being persecuted for the peaceful exercise of his rights, most notably his freedom of opinion and expression.
“In the present case, the Government of Nigeria has presented no exceptions permitted under article 19 (3) of the Covenant nor is there any evidence to suggest that Mr. Kanu’s exercise of his right to freedom of opinion and expression was anything but peaceful.
”In fact, the Government has chosen not to provide any explanation for the arrest, detention and subsequent proceedings against Mr. Kanu. In these circumstances, the Working Group concludes that Mr. Kanu’s detention is thus arbitrary under category II.”
the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention was established in resolution 1991/42 of the UN Commission on Human Rights.
According to the report, Nigeria replied to the communication on 25 January 2022 while the Government of Kenya did not reply.
The Working Group also said there was no evidence that International laws were observed in the arrest and rendition of Kanu from Kenya.
The 16-page dossier read in part: “In the present case, Mr. Kanu was not furnished with an arrest warrant by Nigerian authorities nor was he promptly informed of the grounds for his arrest in Nigeria.
Consequently, the Working Group finds that Mr. Kanu’s continued deprivation of liberty violates his rights under articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant, and principles 2, 4, and 10 of the Body of Principles and constitutes arbitrary detention under category I.”
“Turning to the uncontested allegations that following his rendition to Nigeria, Mr. Kanu remained in pre-trial detention with his trial having been scheduled to commence in January 2022, the Working Group recalls that it is a well-established norm of international law that pre-trial detention should be the exception rather than the rule, and should be ordered for the shortest time possible. Put differently, liberty is recognised under article 9 (3) of the Covenant as the core consideration with detention merely as an exception.
“Therefore, detention pending trial must be based on an individualised determination that it is reasonable and necessary for such purposes as to prevent flight, interference with evidence or the recurrence of crime. Such determination was not carried out in the present case, in violation of Mr. Kanu’s rights under article 9 (3) of the Covenant.
“Further, in accordance with article 9 (3) of the Covenant, an arrested person is to be brought before a judge within 48 hours. This was not satisfied in the case of Mr. Kanu and the Working Group therefore finds a violation of articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 (3) of the Covenant and principles 11, 37 and 38 of the Body of Principles.
Consequently, the Working Group finds that Mr. Kanu’s continued deprivation of liberty violates his rights under articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant, and principles 2, 4, and 10 of the Body of Principles and constitutes arbitrary detention under category I.”
“Turning to the uncontested allegations that following his rendition to Nigeria, Mr. Kanu remained in pre-trial detention with his trial having been scheduled to commence in January 2022, the Working Group recalls that it is a well-established norm of international law that pre-trial detention should be the exception rather than the rule, and should be ordered for the shortest time possible. Put differently, liberty is recognised under article 9 (3) of the Covenant as the core consideration with detention merely as an exception.
“Therefore, detention pending trial must be based on an individualised determination that it is reasonable and necessary for such purposes as to prevent flight, interference with evidence or the recurrence of crime. Such determination was not carried out in the present case, in violation of Mr. Kanu’s rights under article 9 (3) of the Covenant.
“Further, in accordance with article 9 (3) of the Covenant, an arrested person is to be brought before a judge within 48 hours. This was not satisfied in the case of Mr. Kanu and the Working Group therefore finds a violation of articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 (3) of the Covenant and principles 11, 37 and 38 of the Body of Principles.Furthermore, in order to establish that a detention is indeed legal, anyone detained has the right to challenge the legality of his or her detention before a court, as guaranteed by article 9 (4) of the Covenant. The Working Group wishes to recall that according to the UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on Remedies and Procedures on the Rights of Anyone Deprived of their Liberty to Bring Proceedings before a Court, the right to challenge the lawfulness of detention before a court is a self-standing human right, which is essential to preserve legality in a democratic society.
“This right, which is in fact a peremptory norm of international law, applies to all forms of deprivation of liberty, to “all situations of
deprivation of liberty, including not only to detention for purposes of criminal proceedings but also to situations of detention under administrative and other fields of law, including military detention, security detention, detention under counter-terrorism measures”.
“Moreover, it also applies “irrespective of the place of detention or the legal terminology used in the legislation. Any form of deprivation of liberty on any ground must be subject to effective oversight and control by the judiciary. This was also denied to Mr. Kanu, thus, violating his right under article 9 (4) of the Covenant.
Finally, turning to Mr. Kanu’s pre-trial detention in Nigeria, the Working Group recalls that according to international human rights law, in particular article 9 (3) of the Covenant, any person detained while awaiting trial is entitled to trial within a reasonable time, or otherwise shall be released. Article 14 (3) (c) of the Covenant also guarantees the right of anyone charged with a criminal offence to be tried without undue delay. In the absence of a substantive response from the Government of Nigeria, the Working Group finds no legitimate grounds for the delays in the trials against Mr. Kanu.
“Consequently, the Working Group finds that the Government of Nigeria failed to establish a legal basis for the detention of Mr. Kanu. His detention is thus arbitrary under category I.”
The UN Working Group said that both the Nigerian and Kenyan Governments should take responsibility for Kanu’s rights violations.
“The Working Group wishes once again to underscore the collusion between the Governments of Kenya and Nigeria in the rendition of Mr. Kanu and reiterates that both Governments bear joint responsibility for any violations of Mr. Kanu’s rights in Kenya and Nigeria.
“The Working Group has already established in its discussion of the detention of Mr. Kanu in Kenya that he was arrested and detained due to the peaceful exercise of his rights (see paras 52-54 above). The Working Group notes that the source has argued the same in relation to Mr. Kanu’s arrest, detention and trial proceedings in Nigeria. Notably, the Government of Nigeria has chosen not to address the substance of these allegations.
Furthermore, in order to establish that a detention is indeed legal, anyone detained has the right to challenge the legality of his or her detention before a court, as guaranteed by article 9 (4) of the Covenant. The Working Group wishes to recall that according to the UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on Remedies and Procedures on the Rights of Anyone Deprived of their Liberty to Bring Proceedings before a Court, the right to challenge the lawfulness of detention before a court is a self-standing human right, which is essential to preserve legality in a democratic society.
“This right, which is in fact a peremptory norm of international law, applies to all forms of deprivation of liberty, to “all situations of
deprivation of liberty, including not only to detention for purposes of criminal proceedings but also to situations of detention under administrative and other fields of law, including military detention, security detention, detention under counter-terrorism measures”.
“Moreover, it also applies “irrespective of the place of detention or the legal terminology used in the legislation. Any form of deprivation of liberty on any ground must be subject to effective oversight and control by the judiciary. This was also denied to Mr. Kanu, thus, violating his right under article 9 (4) of the Covenant.
The Working Group also considers that Mr. Kanu’s presumption of innocence was violated as the Department surrounded the court complex with an array of armed forces, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and danger (see para. 9), a submission which the Government has chosen not to contest. The Working Group recalls that defendants should not be presented to the court in a manner indicating that they may be dangerous criminals, as this also undermines the presumption of innocence. The Working Group finds a breach of article 14 (2) of the Covenant.
The Working Group notes that it is not contested that Mr. Kanu is accused of the crime of conspiracy to commit a treasonable felony through an agreement with others to be broadcast from London, in view of the establishment of a Biafran sovereignty. The source notes that, while treason consists of “levying war” against Nigeria under Nigerian law, the Federal Government of Nigeria does not allege any action implicating Mr. Kanu in the contemplation, planning, or incitement of war against Nigeria. The source argues that Mr. Kanu was in fact advocating for a peaceful referendum for the establishment of a Biafran sovereignty, in conformity with international and other relevant laws.
“The Working Group recalls that freedom of opinion and expression, as expressed in article 19 of the Covenant, is an indispensable condition for the full development of the person. It is essential for any society and constitutes the foundation stone for every free and democratic society. It also recalls that freedom of expression includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, and that this right includes the expression and receipt of communications of every form of idea and opinion capable of transmission to others, including political opinions.
“Similarly, in Resolution 12/16, the Human Rights Council called on States to refrain from imposing restrictions which are not consistent with article 19 (3), including on the discussion of government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights; engaging in peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief.”
The UN Working Group further said that the Nigeria Government could not disprove claims by Kanu that he was denied effective legal representation including access to his US lawyer.
“The source has submitted, and the Government did not address, that Mr. Kanu was denied effective legal representation. The Working Group considers legal representation as being a core facet of the right to a fair trial. Legal assistance should be available at all stages of criminal proceedings, namely, pre-trial, trial, and appellate stages, to ensure compliance with fair trial guarantees. Any denial of access to lawyers substantially undermines and compromises an accused individual’s capacity to defend him or herself in any judicial proceedings.
As the Working Group has stated in principle 9 and guideline 8 of its Basic Principles, persons deprived of their liberty have the right to legal assistance by counsel of their choice, at any time during their detention, including immediately after the moment of apprehension, and must be promptly informed of this right upon apprehension. Access to legal counsel should not be unlawfully or unreasonably restricted.
“Article 14 (3) (b) of the Covenant entitles defendants to adequate time and facilities for the preparation of their defence and to communicate with counsel of their own choosing. Defendants must have access to documents and other evidence, including “all materials that the prosecution plans to offer in court against the accused or that could assist the defence.
“Recalling general comment No. 32, a detainee has the right to have “prompt access” to legal counsel, meaning that a lawyer must be able to have private communications and meetings with the detainee and be able to attend all the investigations without interference or restrictions. A detainee also ought to have access to “effective counsel.”
“All of this was denied to Mr. Kanu. In the Working Group’s view, by failing to allow Mr. Kanu to be represented by lawyers of his choice, including an international counsel, the Government denied Mr. Kanu’s right to legal assistance at all times, which is inherent in the right to liberty and security of the person as well as the right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law, in accordance with articles 3, 9, 10 and 11 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 14 of the Covenant, articles 37 (b) and (d) and 40 (2) (b) (ii) and principles 15, 17 and 18 of the Body of Principles and principles 1, 5, 7, 8, 21 and 22 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
“The Working Group is also disturbed by the source’s report of the treatment of Mr. Kanus’s lawyers and recalls its jurisprudence highlighting that such treatment of lawyers is entirely unacceptable and violates articles 10 and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as article 14 (3) (b) of the Covenant.41 It is the legal and positive duty of the State to protect everyone on its territory or under its jurisdiction against any human rights violation and to provide remedy whenever a violation still occurs.The Working Group also considers that Mr. Kanu’s presumption of innocence was violated as the Department surrounded the court complex with an array of armed forces, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and danger (see para. 9), a submission which the Government has chosen not to contest. The Working Group recalls that defendants should not be presented to the court in a manner indicating that they may be dangerous criminals, as this also undermines the presumption of innocence. The Working Group finds a breach of article 14 (2) of the Covenant.
“Further, according to the source and uncontested by the Government, following his rendition to Nigeria, Mr. Kanu was detained in solitary confinement within the headquarters of the Department in Abuja, Nigeria. He is reportedly currently still held in a very small cell where he is exposed to daily psychological and mental torture without access to other inmates or any other person except for the Department officers. Mr. Kanu is also allegedly denied access to reading or writing materials and has been refused access to professional medical care despite a serious heart ailment. https://www.sunnewsonline.com/breaking-un-demands-immediate-release-of-nnamdi-kanu 4 Likes
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Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by pinkPUSSY(f): 7:26pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Buhari remains a terrorist... We can't wait for his exit!! ![undecided](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/undecided.png) 17 Likes 1 Share |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Savagery101: 7:31pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
I AM SURPRISE THIS NEW IS NOT YET ON THE FRONT PAGE. 6 Likes
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Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Dikegodspower(m): 7:54pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
The end of the zoo is near. 6 Likes |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Golden057(m): 7:59pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Buhari's lying machine will soon tag it FAKE NEWS . Presidency will reply with WE ARE NOT AWARE Garba Shehu will tweet NO OFFICIAL DOCUMENT FROM UN TO THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) 5 Likes |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by caesymore(m): 8:09pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
The Zoo must fall!! The truth must stand in the voice of our beloved director ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) Without Nwa Chineke's name in their mouth, they will definitely have toothache ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) All hail Biafra!!! Long live Mazi Nnamdi Kalu ![cheesy](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/cheesy.png) 3 Likes |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Dhury: 8:17pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
I hope this fake news will feeds illiterates people of biafra (IPOB) from now to 14November . is Nigeria still under foreign rules? |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Entprys(m): 8:25pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Nigerian youths must protest against this development.
We start from Ojota |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Emergingnation3(m): 8:44pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Dhury: I hope this fake news will feeds illiterates people of biafra (IPOB) from now to 14November . is Nigeria still under foreign rules? keep living in delusions, chronic unity beggar..... 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Nobody: 8:50pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Tinubu Urchins Oya com nd Masturbate in dis thread nw ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) 1, 2, 3 go,,,, Agbado nd Cassava Urchins ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) 2 Likes |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by SirBlack999(m): 8:58pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Wow. This is damning. Sad days for Buhari 2 Likes |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Dhury: 9:04pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Emergingnation3: keep living in delusions, chronic unity beggar..... did we hold your ass ? what we are saying is you can't create country inside our country.how kanu a British citizen, a foreigner for that matter lead Nigeria separation ? |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by SporaD8: 9:42pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Free Mandela. Anyone who have been to prison, when given the chance to rule will always value freedom. |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Kalashnikov49: 9:59pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
The freedom of MNK is as sure as DAY and Night!
All the almajiri and agbado miscreants cant stop the movement.
BIAFRA is A done deal.
WE MOVE!! 2 Likes |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Emergingnation3(m): 10:14pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Dhury: did we hold your ass ? what we are saying is you can't create country inside our country.how kanu a British citizen, a foreigner for that matter lead Nigeria separation ? Says delusionional unity beggar. 1 Like
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Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Balkan(m): 10:20pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
You can't see this on the front page 1 Like |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Nobody: 10:21pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Effort in futility |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by DOTian: 10:23pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Balkan: You can't see this on the front page It's a pity really.. 2 Likes |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Emergingnation3(m): 10:24pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
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Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by kettykin: 10:25pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
Dhury: I hope this fake news will feeds illiterates people of biafra (IPOB) from now to 14November . is Nigeria still under foreign rules? How is news from UN read from vanguard fake news, some of you people are making the federal government look like they are the real fake government, at least fear God 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Jalinspy(f): 10:32pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
.. |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Chiboy419: 10:41pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
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Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Ancestortinubu: 11:48pm On Jul 23, 2022 |
May your life remain like nigeria government. They are real. Olodo!
uote author=kettykin post=115023178] How is news from UN read from vanguard fake news, some of you people are making the federal government look like they are the real fake government, at least fear God[/quote] |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by kettykin: 12:46am On Jul 24, 2022 |
Ancestortinubu: May your life remain like nigeria government. They are real. Olodo!
uote author=kettykin post=115023178] How is news from UN read from vanguard fake news, some of you people are making the federal government look like they are the real fake government, at least fear God Please kindly don't associate me with a country like Nigeria that had all it takes to succeed but remains the laughing stock of the world, a country whose military bark at unarmed civilians but cringe before armed terrorist, a country whos only achievement till date is the starvation of women and children during the civil war. A country that is jailing sim card thieves but allowing bullion van rogues to contest for election. A country where their ruling elite are celebrated for excessive looting while people who work their way to the top are harassed by EFCC. Such a country only exist in storytelling of some countries and case studies in universities class rooms |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Frankitibobo: 1:04am On Jul 24, 2022 |
Ok |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by techWriter3: 2:10am On Jul 24, 2022 |
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Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by abitex577(m): 2:33am On Jul 24, 2022 |
Watching |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by princepeter566: 5:18am On Jul 24, 2022 |
When I see how ghana was killed in benue and I see how aleru was giving a chieftaincy title by zamfara state government, I shed tears. Buhari has taken Nigeria to the point of no return |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by clarocuzioo(m): 8:12am On Jul 24, 2022 |
Front page pls |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Biggeststar01: 11:14pm On Jan 25, 2023 |
Dhury: did we hold your ass ? what we are saying is you can't create country inside our country.how kanu a British citizen, a foreigner for that matter lead Nigeria separation ? Eh if you people don't want to do it, the foreigners will do it for you...they will divide the country... period ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by jlinkd78(m): 11:34pm On Jan 25, 2023 |
Correct |
Re: BREAKING: UN Demands Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu ...indicts Nigeria, Kenya by Ogonimilitant(m): 11:48pm On Jan 25, 2023 |
Ok |