A U.S.-based advocacy organization, the Rising Sun Foundation, has called on the United Kingdom to demand accountability from Nigerian authorities over the arrest and conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to the UK.

In a statement released on Monday, the foundation’s president, Dr. Maxwell Dede, urged British authorities not to proceed with Tinubu’s meeting with King Charles III without addressing what the group described as the “unlawful abduction and extraordinary rendition” of Kanu in 2021.

“Kanu’s abduction must be clarified before any official engagements proceed,” the statement said.

The group noted that Kanu, a British citizen, was arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and subsequently transferred to Nigeria. While the Nigerian government confirmed his return, it has denied allegations that the process amounted to an illegal rendition.

Dr. Dede said the UK Foreign Office has sent multiple diplomatic inquiries over nearly five years seeking clarification on Kanu’s arrest and transfer, but the foundation considers the responses inadequate.

“For a British citizen travelling on a valid UK passport to be abducted from a third country and transferred to Nigeria without due process is a matter that demands urgent attention,” he said, adding that political and economic interests should not outweigh fundamental human rights.

The foundation also cited reports regarding the aircraft and logistics used in Kanu’s transfer, suggesting potential international involvement. “Continued silence from UK authorities has fueled concerns about possible complicity,” the statement said.

The group outlined specific demands for the UK government and the British monarchy, including a public explanation from Nigerian authorities, clarification of the legal basis for Kanu’s arrest in Kenya, and an independent inquiry if satisfactory answers are not provided.

“If the UK wishes to show it was not complicit in the unlawful abduction of its citizen, this visit presents a clear test,” Dr. Dede said. “The world is watching. Justice demands answers.”