A group of international legal experts operating under the Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates has issued a formal pre-litigation notice to President Bola Tinubu, warning of possible legal action in the United Kingdom over the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In the notice dated April 14, 2026, the legal team said it may approach courts in London to enforce what it described as binding United Nations directives ordering Kanu’s release and compensation.
The lawyers said their action follows Nigeria’s alleged failure to comply with a 2022 opinion issued by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which called for Kanu’s immediate release and reparations over what it described as his “arbitrary detention” and “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021.
According to them, the UN body found that the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest and transfer violated international legal standards, and recommended his release alongside compensation for damages suffered.
Quoting from the opinion, the group noted that the UN mechanism stated the appropriate remedy would be Kanu’s release and an enforceable right to compensation in line with international law.
The legal experts further argued that Nigeria, as a signatory to key international treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is legally bound to respect such decisions and ensure compliance.
They insisted that these obligations remain in force regardless of changes in government, adding that the failure to implement the UN recommendation constitutes a continuing breach of international law.
The notice also criticised what it described as the previous administration’s refusal to act on the UN directive, stating that the obligation now rests with the current government.
The group warned that if the Federal Government fails to comply with their demands, they will initiate enforcement proceedings in foreign jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom.
They described the notice as a final opportunity for Nigeria to resolve the matter without litigation, stressing that all legal rights under international law remain reserved.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted in November 2025 on terrorism-related charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
His arrest, extradition from Kenya, prolonged detention, and subsequent trial have remained controversial, attracting continued debate both within Nigeria and internationally.
