Kenyan Court Declares Nnamdi Kanu’s 2021 Rendition Unlawful, Awards Damages

By Oluwakemi Kindness

A High Court in Nairobi has ruled that the arrest and transfer of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 was unlawful and in violation of his fundamental rights.

Delivering judgment on June 24, 2025, Justice E.C. Mwita held that the actions leading to Mr. Kanu’s transfer amounted to a breach of both Kenyan and international law.

The court awarded Kanu compensatory damages of 10 million Kenyan shillings for what it described as a gross violation of his rights.

In his ruling, Justice Mwita faulted the conduct of both governments, stating that the process of rendition lacked due legal process and failed to adhere to constitutional safeguards.

Reacting to the ruling, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) described the judgment as a significant legal victory.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group expressed gratitude to its legal team, particularly Professor PLO Lumumba, who served as lead counsel in the Kenyan litigation.

“We are thankful for the courage and professionalism shown by our legal team. This ruling confirms what we have maintained all along—that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Kenya lawfully as a British citizen and committed no offence while there,” the statement read.

The group also noted that the decision marks an important step toward international legal accountability and reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice through lawful means.

“This is not the end, but the beginning of a broader campaign for justice and accountability on a global scale,” IPOB added.

Kanu, leader of the proscribed group IPOB, is currently facing trial in Nigeria on various charges. His 2021 arrest and transfer from Kenya have drawn sustained attention and legal challenges, both domestically and internationally.