By Sunday Ameh
An Israeli lawmaker, MK Afef Abed, has written to the United Nations (UN), calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Abed, a member of Israel’s Knesset, made the appeal in a letter dated September 1, 2026, addressed 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 lawmaker urged the UN to review the implementation of Opinion No. 25/2022, in which the Working Group concluded that Kanu’s detention was arbitrary and called for his immediate release and compensation.
He also asked the UN to seek an update from the Nigerian government on measures taken in response to the recommendations.
Abed said subsequent legal developments, including Kanu’s 2025 conviction and life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges, should not diminish the concerns raised in the 2022 opinion.
He further urged the UN to continue monitoring Kanu’s case and ensure that proceedings concerning him comply with international human rights and due process standards.
The Israeli lawmaker also referenced calls by some US lawmakers for Kanu’s release and raised allegations concerning his access to medical care.
He appealed to the UN to encourage a “lawful and rights-respecting resolution” based on human rights, due process and the rule of law.
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