An Israeli legislator, MK Afef Abed, has written to the United Nations (UN), appealing for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).In a letter dated September 1, 2026, Abed, a member of Israel’s Knesset, appealed to the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.The legislator urged the UN to examine the application of Opinion No. 25/2022, which called for Kanu’s immediate release and compensation after the Working Group determined that his arrest was arbitrary.Additionally, he requested that the UN ask the Nigerian government to provide an update on the actions done in response to the recommendations.
According to Abed, the issues brought up in the 2022 opinion should not be lessened by later legal developments, such as Kanu’s 2025 conviction and life sentence on terrorism-related charges.He also asked the UN to keep an eye on Kanu’s case and make sure that his legal processes adhere to international human rights and due process norms.The Israeli legislator also brought up accusations regarding Kanu’s access to medical care and cited pleas for his release made by certain US senators.He urged the UN to support a “lawful and rights-respecting resolution” that upholds the rule of law, due process, and human rights.
