Nnamdi Kanu has lost his appeal against the UK government regarding his detention in Nigeria.
Kanu, who holds citizenship in both Nigeria and the UK, sought an order from the UK courts to compel the government to publicly denounce his detention.
Kanu filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), also known as the Foreign Secretary, who represents the UK government in London.
Unfortunately, the court dismissed his case on March 23, 2023.
Subsequently, Kanu’s lawyers wrote letters to the UK Foreign Secretary, seeking help and intervention. The UK government stated that they had done what they could based on the available information and international law.
Two letters from the UK Foreign Secretary were the primary reasons for Kanu’s legal action. These letters explained the UK government’s actions concerning Kanu’s detention. Despite their attempts to communicate with Nigerian and Kenyan officials, the UK government could not achieve the desired results.
Kanu’s lawyers were dissatisfied with the UK government’s response. They claimed that there was no significant progress in obtaining assistance or securing Kanu’s release. Furthermore, they accused the UK government of failing to make a decision regarding possible violations of international law in his case.
Kanu’s appeal reached the Court of Appeal in London, but they rejected it and upheld the High Court’s decision. The judge stated that the UK government couldn’t do much while legal proceedings were ongoing in Nigeria.
Additionally, the Nigerian Court of Appeal had placed a hold on the judgment until they reached a decision, preventing the UK Foreign Secretary from taking any firm action.
The court emphasized that the real issue was the UK government’s failure to make a definitive decision, rather than a procedural mistake.
They also stated that the UK government had explained the steps they took in Kanu’s case and why they did not make public statements about it.