The wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, has met with British government officials to discuss her husband Nnamdi Kanu’s deteriorating health condition in prison.
Her meeting comes shortly after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) stated that Kanu was fit to stand trial.
The court had also recently dismissed an application seeking his release for medical treatment outside detention which led to the just concluded #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Uchechi Raises Alarm Over Husband’s Health
Taking to social media, Uchechi revealed that she met with representatives of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) alongside Jim from Hostage International and Margaret, known on X as @ElectionMargie.
She wrote: “Myself, Jim of Hostage International and Margaret @ElectionMargie met with @FCDOGovUK officials today to discuss my husband #NnamdiKanu’s worsening health.”
“Uchechi expressed her distress over the impact of her husband’s continued detention on their family.
“His absence has deeply affected my own wellbeing and the emotional pain our son faces due to his absence,” she said.
Concerns Over Alleged Tampering With Medical Reports
During the meeting, Uchechi said she raised concerns about what she described as the Nigerian government’s obsession with altering her husband’s medical reports. She also criticised attempts to prosecute him under what she claimed was a repealed law.
Her remarks have sparked renewed discussions about the health and legal situation of the IPOB leader, who has been in custody since his arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021.
Background
Nnamdi Kanu faces multiple charges bordering on terrorism and incitement. His legal team has consistently argued that his detention and the trial process violate his fundamental rights.
Despite several appeals and protests from supporters, the Federal Government maintains that Kanu’s case is being handled in accordance with Nigerian law.