Nnamdi Kanu: ‘UK Can’t Get British Nationals Out Of Foreign Detention But… ‘

Although there are widespread calls on social media for the intervention of the United Kingdom regarding the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a UK policy on nationals in foreign land shows that it cannot get any British citizen out of a foreign prison.

Kanu is a dual citizen of Nigeria and Britain, who founded IPOB in 2014 with the objective of restoring a state of Biafra.

Recall that the federal government of Nigeria rearrested Kanu on Sunday and brought him to Nigeria to face charges of treasonable felony.

“Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwu-Kanu, born 25th day of September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia State is a holder of Nigerian Passport No. A05136827 first issued 17th October 2013 at FESTAC, Lagos,” the Attorney-General of the federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN said to the press on Tuesday.

But in consular processes captured in “Support for British nationals abroad: A guide” manual, seen by our correspondent on UK’s official website, it clearly specified its diplomatic activities in another country with regards to citizens in prison or detention.

“We cannot get you out of prison or detention,nor can we get special treatment for you because you are British. If however you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards we will consider approaching local authorities.

“We can offer you information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, work possibilities, and social and welfare services.

“We can also explain where there are different regulations for remand prisoners and sentenced prisoners. For example, in some countries, prisoners are allowed to send more mail when they are on remand,” the policy stated.

However, it added even though it will not influence any trial or delegate a lawyer to represent a British citizen, it will monitor the proceedings to ensure it complies with international best practices.

“Although we cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime, we can offer basic information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can give you a list of local interpreters and local lawyers.

“You will want to consider the benefits of local legal representation and to discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. In no circumstances can we pay your legal or interpretation costs,” the policy partly read.