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Kanu: UN writes Nigeria, Kenya over torture allegations

Published

4 years ago

October 27, 2021

. Wants further violations of rights halted

The United Nations has sent a warning letter to both the Nigerian and Kenyan governments over alleged torture or violation of rights committed against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The UN also warned of serious consequences if the allegations of torture and violation of fundamental human rights against the IPOB leader were confirmed.

Its intervention followed a petition to the UN by Kanu’s brother, Kanunta Kanu; and his Special counsel, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor.

The 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.

The statement obtained on Tuesday read in part, “In particular, the said Urgent Appeals state in part that the United Nations is “alarmed by the alleged torture and ill-treatment Mr. Kanu has been subjected to during his illegal custody in Kenya.

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).

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“The allegations in the case of Mr. Kanu raise serious violations of international human rights law and may cause irreparable damage to his life or personal integrity, which we believe warrants prompt attention. In this regard, we are considering to publicly express our concerns in this case in the near future, believing that the wider public should be informed about the implications of these allegations for the enjoyment and exercise of human rights in Kenya and Nigeria. Any public expression of concern in this regard, will indicate that we have been in contact with your Excellency’s Government to clarify the issue/s in question.

“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”.

On why Kanu’s brother decided to seek UN intervention, the statement said: “Following the extraordinary rendition of my older brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I undertook a number of urgent steps within the realm of the international community, particularly in Britain and the United Nations. I worked quietly with my brother’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor and the Bindmans (my brother’s lawyers in Britain) on a host of muscular interventions aimed at presenting my brother’s case to the international community and facilitating his unconditional release and bringing the culprits of his illegal rendition to account.

“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.

“Those sixty days just expired and the United Nations has therefore made public the details of its ‘Urgent Appeals’ to the Nigerian and Kenyan Governments, which were transmitted since 26th August, 2021. It also has made public an acknowledgment it received on 17th September 2021 from the ‘Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Nations’. Both documents are attached to this Press Release.

“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.”

Related Topics:allegations consequences Featured Kanu Kenya Nigeria torture UN

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Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

Published

8 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf

Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination was formally conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006, which mandates Senate approval before the appointment can take effect. The President urged lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process to ensure stability and continuity at the commission, especially as preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise gather momentum.

The development follows the resignation of Professor Abdullahi Usman, who stepped down earlier this week after about 14 months in office as NAHCON Chairman. Although official details surrounding his resignation were not fully disclosed, his tenure was marked by efforts to reposition the commission and enhance coordination of Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims.

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His exit comes at a sensitive period when logistical planning, airlift arrangements, accommodation coordination, and pilgrim welfare services for the upcoming Hajj are intensifying. Stakeholders in the Hajj industry have emphasized the importance of swift leadership confirmation to avoid disruptions in preparations.

Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye from 2021 to 2024. During his diplomatic assignment, he played key roles in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

If confirmed by the Senate, Yusuf will assume responsibility for overseeing Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah operations, including the welfare and coordination of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims traveling annually to Saudi Arabia. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is the statutory body responsible for organizing, supervising, and regulating Hajj and Umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims, as well as ensuring their welfare in Saudi Arabia.

The Senate is expected to schedule a confirmation hearing where Ambassador Yusuf will be screened by lawmakers. Upon approval, he will formally assume office as NAHCON Chairman, taking charge of preparations for the 2026 Hajj season.

The nomination is seen as part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen key institutions and ensure effective service delivery in religious affairs management.

Tinubu Nominates Ismail Abba Yusuf as NAHCON Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation

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Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

Published

10 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday officially presented allocation letters to 180 traders affected by the redevelopment of Alabarago Market in Ojo Local Government Area, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to modernize markets and support small businesses. The ceremony took place at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) office in Ikeja GRA, with Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Renewal, handing over the letters.

Dr. Babatunde explained that former shop occupiers were given first right of refusal and flexible payment options. Beneficiaries can pay 60 percent upfront, with the remaining balance payable over six months, or opt for a 25 percent initial payment if unable to meet the larger installment. He noted that the state collaborated with financial institutions to redevelop the market under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which includes the transformation of 21 markets across Lagos, including Katangwa, Pelewura, Jankara, and Alabarago.

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The redevelopment has converted Alabarago, the largest cattle market in West Africa, into the modern Alaba Transnational Market, featuring 3,000 shops and 1.2 kilometers of newly constructed roads linking the market to main access routes. Ground-floor shops are priced at ₦13 million each, while upper-floor units cost ₦10 million, both subsidized by the government to ease affordability for traders.

Dr. Babatunde commended the collaborative efforts of agencies and partners supporting the project, including LABSCA, the Urban Renewal Agency, United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant-General’s office.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Hussain Lajawa, Chairman of Central Alabarago Market, praised the government for delivering on its promise to develop a market to international standards. He urged the authorities to expedite road construction and access infrastructure to ensure smooth business operations for traders relocating to the new market.

The allocation of shops to displaced traders underscores Lagos State’s commitment to economic empowerment, modern market infrastructure, and business continuity, while cushioning the impact of displacement caused by urban redevelopment projects. The move is expected to revitalize local commerce, particularly in the Ojo area, and strengthen Lagos State’s small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) sector.

Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

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US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Published

11 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Five United States lawmakers have introduced a bill in the US Congress seeking to impose visa restrictions and asset freezes on former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and other actors over alleged persecution of Christians and severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It directs the US Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress assessing Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations and the measures taken to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt states.

Under the bill, the US government could impose targeted sanctions, including Global Magnitsky Human Rights sanctions, asset freezes, and visa bans on individuals or entities responsible for religious persecution. It also allows the Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), reflecting growing concern over violence affecting Christian populations.

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Lawmakers cited estimates that between 2009 and 2025, between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, with more than 19,000 churches destroyed. They highlighted recent incidents, including attacks in Yelwata, the Christmas Eve massacres of 2023 and 2024, and Holy Week and Easter attacks of 2024 and 2025, which collectively left thousands dead and displaced over half a million people. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria accounted for 72 percent of Christians killed worldwide.

The bill also calls for the provision of humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Nigerian government, through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations. It encourages collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to strengthen religious freedom, peace, and accountability.

Sponsors stressed that the future of US–Nigeria relations would depend on the Nigerian government’s response to these alleged atrocities, asserting that Nigeria could strengthen ties with Washington and play a stabilising role in the Sahel region if it takes concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities and combat religious violence.

The legislation follows prior US actions, including the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under President Donald Trump, aimed at addressing ongoing religious freedom violations and promoting accountability for perpetrators of sectarian violence.