An Israeli lawmaker, Abed, has urged the United Nations to follow up on the recommendations of its Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a letter titled “Call for the Implementation of the Opinion and Recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Concerning Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Abed cited Opinion No. 25/2022, in which the UN Working Group concluded that Kanu’s deprivation of liberty was arbitrary.

The Working Group had called for Kanu’s immediate release, compensation and other reparations, as well as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest in Kenya and transfer to Nigeria.

Abed acknowledged that Kanu was convicted by a Nigerian Federal High Court in November 2025 on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment, but argued that the development did not erase the concerns raised in the UN’s 2022 opinion.

He urged the UN to obtain an update from the Nigerian government on the implementation of the recommendations, consider issuing a public update and continue monitoring Kanu’s case, including his due process rights and detention conditions.

The lawmaker also cited calls by members of the US Congress, including Congressman John James, for Kanu’s release.

Abed further raised concerns over allegations that Kanu had been denied adequate medical care and that his personal physician was prevented from providing necessary treatment, urging relevant international human rights bodies to examine the claims.

“As a Member of the Knesset of the State of Israel, I believe that strengthening respect for international legal institutions and human rights mechanisms is a shared interest of all democratic societies,” he said.

“I sincerely hope that a responsible and dignified resolution can be reached, consistent with the principles of international law and the fundamental rights of Mr. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”