The IPOB Leader, And The Government's Haunting Sin Of Extraordinary Rendition
On June 29, 2021, the immediate former Nigerian Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami confirmed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was abducted by security agents in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria. This act, known as extraordinary rendition, is a blatant violation of international law and Nigeria's obligations under various international treaties and conventions.
Firstly, Nigeria violated the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the extradition or forcible return of individuals to a country where they face the risk of persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations. By extraditing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to Nigeria where he faces politically motivated charges and a real risk of torture and unfair trial, Nigeria has breached its obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Secondly, Nigeria's action violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to a fair trial and prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been held in detention without trial since his abduction, denying him the right to challenge the legality of his detention and prepare his defense, as required by international law.
Furthermore, Nigeria's action constitute a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which guarantees the right to liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial, and the prohibition of arbitrary arrest and detention.
Horribly, the international community have remained largely silent, failing to hold Nigeria accountable for its actions, despite these clear violations of international laws. This silence sends a dangerous message that countries can flout international law with impunity, undermining the very foundations of the international legal order.
It is imperative that the international community takes action to hold Nigeria accountable for its actions. This could include imposing targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials responsible for the abduction and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as well as urging Nigeria to release him immediately and unconditionally.
Nigeria's extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a serious violation of international law that requires a robust international response. The world must not turn a blind eye to such flagrant abuse of human rights and must act decisively to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental human rights.
This culture of collective conspiracy and selective justice only helps to justify critics and call out the double standard of those pretending to be defenders of human rights.
Except Nigeria is heavily punished and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released unconditionally, international treaties and conventions amounts to nothing.
Family Writers Press International
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