16 EU Parliament members demand release of IPOB leader

A total of 16 European Union Parliamentarians of 751 members have called on the European Union (EU) to intervene in the detention of Indigenous People of Biafra leader,

In a report by ThisDay, the cross section of the European Parliamentarians stated that Kanu's ordeal was part of gross human rights abuses going on in Nigeria.

This was stated in a letter addressed to the High Representative of the union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Federica Mogherini, on December 19, 2016.

The report also noted that the 16 MEPs also complained bitterly about “the continued violence towards IPOB supporters as perpetrated by the Nigerian government,” citing the killings of protesting Biafran activists by security agencies.

“It is clear that the fundamental human rights of Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi are being grossly violated. Human Rights Watch have reported of the violation of the defendants’ rights, including their right to a fair trial,” the MEPs said.

Continuing, the letter read: “On behalf of the EU, especially in respect to the EU-Nigeria partnership, the Nigeria EU Joint Way Forward, the developments of the sixth Nigeria-EU ministerial dialogue and the fact that Nigeria is a recipient of EU aid, we call upon you to: advocate the immediate and safe release of Kanu and his co-defendants, Benjamin Madubugwu and Nwawuisi.”

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Nnamdi Kanu has been detained since October 14, 2015 despite being acquitted of all charges brought against him.

Kanu is detained alongside Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.