IPOB Petitions 21 Foreign Missions, Seeks Urgent Global Intervention for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has written to 21 foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the European Union, appealing for urgent intervention to secure the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a letter dated November 12, 2025, and titled “SOS – Urgent Global Humanitarian Intervention to End the Unlawful Detention and Torture of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the group urged world powers to step in over what it described as the unlawful and inhumane detention of Kanu by the Nigerian government.

The correspondence was sent to embassies and high commissions in Abuja representing countries such as France, Germany, Canada, Russia, China, Israel, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia. It was also copied to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the African Union (AU).

According to IPOB, the appeal follows a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at drawing international attention to Kanu’s prolonged detention, despite multiple court rulings and human rights pronouncements ordering his release.

“This is a global SOS appeal for urgent humanitarian and diplomatic intervention in the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was detained in Nigeria in June 2021,” the group stated.

The organization emphasized that several judicial and international bodies—including the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention—had previously called for Kanu’s immediate release, yet the Nigerian government has failed to comply.

IPOB also expressed deep concern over Kanu’s deteriorating health, describing his condition as a “humanitarian emergency.”

“As of now, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health has reportedly deteriorated. His continued detention has raised humanitarian concerns,” the group noted.

The letter urged the international community to take decisive steps to enforce court orders, safeguard Kanu’s welfare, and ensure that his legal and human rights are upheld. IPOB also called for closer monitoring of developments surrounding Kanu’s case to ensure full adherence to due process.