British law firm urges UK ministers to act on Nnamdi Kanu’s torture in detention

A British law firm, Bindmans LLP has called on the ministers of the United Kingdom government to take action regarding the alleged torture of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in detention.

According to a statement on the firm’s site, Bindmans LLP was instructed by the family of the detained IPOB leader to “raise urgent concerns with ministers about his detention in conditions which amount to torture.”

The firm said it had raised concerns with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and by Kanu’s legal representatives in Nigeria with the local authorities and courts.

It notes that “neither government has disputed that Mr Kanu is being detained in these conditions.”

A Solicitor at Bindmans LLP, Shirin Marker, who represents Kanu’s family, was quoted in the statement as saying, “The British government has a firm and explicit policy on condemning and seeking to end torture and mistreatment. That policy sets out a range of actions open to the UK authorities when an individual with British nationality is subject to torture abroad. There is no dispute that Mr Kanu is being tortured.

“It is essential, therefore, that the FCDO steps up its efforts to assist him and stop his torture imminently. To do otherwise would be inconsistent with the UK’s obligations under international law and the principles of its policy. We have made detailed representations to the FCDO on its legal obligations through its lawyers, and expect a prompt response on what action will now be taken.”

Courtesy The PUNCH