By Aaliyah Hore – UK.
Baroness Chapman, the UK’s Minister of State for International Development and Africa, has said, the British government is in contact with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu regarding his detention by the Nigerian government.
She issued the statement after interactions with, MP Abena Oppong-Asare and Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, who raised concerns about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s extended detention and his unlawful transfer to Nigeria from Kenya.
Weeks ago, MP Abena Oppong-Asare and Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu interacted with UK Minister, Baroness Chapman to discuss issues related to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and possible solutions.
Baroness Chapman raised concerns today about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention in Nigeria after his 2021 rendition from Kenya.
She said, “I am responding as Minister for Africa”.
She went on to state that the UK government has repeatedly brought up Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case with the Nigerian authorities, including the allegations of torture and mistreatment, concerns about a fair trial, and the circumstances of his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
While voicing her concerns, she said, the British government will continue to encourage the Nigerian government to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of Kanu’s rendition, in line with the 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Baroness Chapman added, “I personally raised these matters with the Nigerian Foreign Minister on 11th November”.
She stated that the UK High Commission in Abuja is closely monitoring the legal proceedings, with consular officials regularly attending the trial hearings, including the most recent one on 4th November.
She repeated that officials regularly visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention to check on his health and welfare.
She said, though “Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations we cannot interfere in judicial proceedings of another state”, however, he said, UK officials in London and Abuja remain in regular contact with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s family and his legal representatives.
Baroness Chapman stated that she met personally with Mrs. Kanu, the wife of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on 10 November to discuss matters pertaining to her husband’s case.
She assured that Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will continue to follow Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s trial closely, attend hearings, and raise concerns where appropriate with the Nigerian authorities.
Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu.
Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu conveyed his appreciation for the effort made by Minister of State, Baroness Chapman. He noted that her dedication and commitment were evident in her sincere and determined approach. The progress made reflects her hard work, and he deeply values the energy she invested to bring about this outcome.
Hon. Ikezuagu said they will continue discussions to secure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release following his sentencing.
Also Read: Nnamdi Kanu: UK Government Engaged On Unlawful Detention Of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu In Nigeria
Earlier this month, on November 1st, 2025, Hon. Ikezuagu organised a peaceful protest in the UK regarding release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He also submitted a strongly worded petition to British Prime Minister Stier Starmer, urging him to use diplomatic channels to appeal to the Nigerian government for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
He stated that the result of the petition will be made public as soon as a response is received from the Prime Minister.
Hon. Ikezuagu encouraged Nigerians, particularly those from the South East, to engage in diplomatic efforts urging the Nigerian government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, he concluded.
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