Human Rights Watch blasts Nigeria over unlawful killings of Biafrans: Calls for a fair trial for Nnamdi Kanu
By Paul Ihechi Alagba
For Family Writers
Human Rights Watch, a human rights organization headquartered in New York, United States of America has called for massive and unadulterated investigations into the extrajudicial detentions and executions of Biafran activists across Nigeria, following an astonishing report from its department in Nigeria led by Mausi Segun- (Nigeria Senior Researcher for HRW).
Human Rights Watch while calling for a fair trial for IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been detained by the Nigerian government since October 14, 2015, decried the excessive use of force by Nigerian security agencies in handling peaceful protests or processions by thousands of Biafrans who have in recent months protested against the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
The New York based NGO, noted that "authorities should investigate deaths of protesting Biafran separatists."
According to the statement published in its website on October 12, 2016, Human Rights Watch stated that- "One year ago, on October 14, 2015, Nigerian security forces arrested the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), a group from Nigeria’s southeastern region that seeks to establish an independent state."
"The supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, who previously lived in the United Kingdom and who spread his message through the UK-based Radio Biafra, are likely to mark the anniversary of his arrest with protests. Nigerian authorities, rather than invoking the heavy-handed tactics they have used on pro-Biafra protesters in the past, should protect their right to peaceful protest." the human rights organisation admonished.
Going further, it stated that, "Kanu, along with co-defendants Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, were charged with criminal conspiracy, engaging in unlawful society and criminal intimidation, but these charges were withdrawn on December 16, 2015."
The NGO noted that “An order for Kanu’s release on bail by a federal high court in Abuja was countered by another judge when fresh charges of treason were filed against Kanu and the other defendants on December 18, 2015. The trio remains in detention pending the conclusion of the trial."
"Kanu’s court appearances sparked several largely peaceful protests by supporters in various southeast and Niger Delta towns, which have been met with force by security forces, including police. According to media reports monitored by Human Rights Watch, by February 2016, at least 10 supporters had been killed, with scores more arrested and injured during the protests.
"The deadliest single incident so far occurred this May 30, as supporters of IPOB and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), another proscribed Biafran separatist group, commemorated the 49th anniversary of the 1967 Biafran declaration of independence. Media reports say scores of separatists and two security agents allegedly died during confrontations in several southeast states."
"Nigerian authorities should investigate the deaths of these protesters – none have been investigated to date. Authorities should also ensure a fair trial for Kanu and his co-defendants." Human Rights Watch stated
By Paul Ihechi Alagba
For Family Writers
Human Rights Watch, a human rights organization headquartered in New York, United States of America has called for massive and unadulterated investigations into the extrajudicial detentions and executions of Biafran activists across Nigeria, following an astonishing report from its department in Nigeria led by Mausi Segun- (Nigeria Senior Researcher for HRW).
Human Rights Watch while calling for a fair trial for IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been detained by the Nigerian government since October 14, 2015, decried the excessive use of force by Nigerian security agencies in handling peaceful protests or processions by thousands of Biafrans who have in recent months protested against the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
The New York based NGO, noted that "authorities should investigate deaths of protesting Biafran separatists."
According to the statement published in its website on October 12, 2016, Human Rights Watch stated that- "One year ago, on October 14, 2015, Nigerian security forces arrested the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), a group from Nigeria’s southeastern region that seeks to establish an independent state."
"The supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, who previously lived in the United Kingdom and who spread his message through the UK-based Radio Biafra, are likely to mark the anniversary of his arrest with protests. Nigerian authorities, rather than invoking the heavy-handed tactics they have used on pro-Biafra protesters in the past, should protect their right to peaceful protest." the human rights organisation admonished.
Going further, it stated that, "Kanu, along with co-defendants Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, were charged with criminal conspiracy, engaging in unlawful society and criminal intimidation, but these charges were withdrawn on December 16, 2015."
The NGO noted that “An order for Kanu’s release on bail by a federal high court in Abuja was countered by another judge when fresh charges of treason were filed against Kanu and the other defendants on December 18, 2015. The trio remains in detention pending the conclusion of the trial."
"Kanu’s court appearances sparked several largely peaceful protests by supporters in various southeast and Niger Delta towns, which have been met with force by security forces, including police. According to media reports monitored by Human Rights Watch, by February 2016, at least 10 supporters had been killed, with scores more arrested and injured during the protests.
"The deadliest single incident so far occurred this May 30, as supporters of IPOB and the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), another proscribed Biafran separatist group, commemorated the 49th anniversary of the 1967 Biafran declaration of independence. Media reports say scores of separatists and two security agents allegedly died during confrontations in several southeast states."
"Nigerian authorities should investigate the deaths of these protesters – none have been investigated to date. Authorities should also ensure a fair trial for Kanu and his co-defendants." Human Rights Watch stated
Please, please, you must investigate the death of the protestors, not Nigerians authorities because, they have not any interest of investigation.
ReplyDeleteStop this Murderer and terrorist Buhari before it's too late. At present time he visit Germany for begging help to fight Boko Haram and many kinds of another nonsense. I'm ashamed to be a german citicen to see both of them on a pickture.
Hartmut Pinck Germany
People are stupid,how can those that killed us deliberately be asked to investigate our deaths,which investigative result do you expect
DeletePeople are stupid,how can those that killed us deliberately be asked to investigate our deaths,which investigative result do you expect
DeleteThere are more than two mass graves in the onitsha military barracks. More than 200 IPOB members were killed on that 30th May, not 10. If you expect the same govt. that brutally killed these people to carry out an investigation, then it's all smokescreen.
ReplyDeleteUnited Nations and ICC are not living up to their expectations. Their mouths are sealed up with bribes so that they can not take actions, disheartening!!!
ReplyDeleteUnited Nations and ICC are not living up to their expectations. Their mouths are sealed up with bribes so that they can not take actions, disheartening!!!
ReplyDeleteGodis watching all of you who have failed in their different responsibilities like the human right,united nations.
ReplyDelete