A member of the Israeli Knesset, MK Afef Abed, has written to the United Nations, UN, urging the international body to seek the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction by a Nigerian Federal High Court on terrorism related charges.
In the letter dated September 1, 2026, and 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, Abed called for renewed attention to Kanu’s case.
The Israeli lawmaker urged the UN to pursue the implementation of Opinion No. 25/2022 issued by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
According to Abed, the UN Working Group had concluded in the opinion that Kanu’s detention was arbitrary and called on the governments of Nigeria and Kenya to take steps to remedy the situation.
He said the Working Group had recommended Kanu’s immediate release as well as compensation and other forms of reparation in accordance with international law.
Abed also called for continued examination of the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest in Kenya and his transfer to Nigeria.
“I am writing to you as a Member of the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, out of a deep commitment to the principles of the rule of law, human rights, due process, and respect for international law,” he stated.
The lawmaker said subsequent legal developments, including Kanu’s conviction and life sentence in November 2025, should not prevent the UN from examining the concerns raised in its earlier opinion.
He urged the UN to request an official update from the Nigerian Government on measures taken to implement the recommendations of the Working Group.
Abed also called for continued monitoring of Kanu’s case by relevant UN human rights mechanisms, particularly regarding his right to due process, fundamental rights and conditions of detention.
He further urged the international body to encourage a lawful resolution that respects human rights, due process and international law.
The Israeli lawmaker also referenced calls by members of the United States Congress for Kanu’s release.
He raised concerns over allegations concerning Kanu’s health and claims that he had not received adequate medical care or access to his personal physician.
Abed urged the relevant UN bodies to examine such allegations and maintain independent engagement with the Nigerian Government over the case.
“I respectfully urge the relevant United Nations bodies to continue their professional, consistent, and independent engagement with this matter and to promote respect for human rights, the rule of law, and due process,” he wrote.
He expressed hope that the matter would eventually be resolved in accordance with international law and Kanu’s fundamental rights.
