The UK has denied involvement in the arrest and extradition of Nnamdi Kanu, who leads a banned group seeking a breakaway state in south-eastern Nigeria, where the ethnic Igbo people form the majority.
Mr. Kanu, who holds British and Nigerian citizenship, was detained on Sunday with the help of Interpol and flown back to Nigeria, according to the attorney general.
He faces treason-related charges in Nigeria, but fled the country in 2017 while on bail.
There has been speculation that he might have been arrested in the UK, where it is believed he was mainly based.
“We can confirm that Nnamdi Kanu was not arrested in the UK for extradition purposes,’’ a British High Commission spokesperson told the BBC.
The British Government did, however, expressed readiness to provide “consular assistance” for Kanu.
Head of Communications, British High Commission in Abuja, Dean Hurlock, made the disclosure on Wednesday.
“The British High Commission in Abuja is currently in the process of seeking clarification from the Nigerian government about the circumstances of the arrest, Hurlock said.
“With regard to any questions about whether the British High Commission are providing assistance in this case, we can confirm that the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office stands ready to provide consular assistance.”
“We expect any trial or legal proceedings to follow due process”.
Before he jumped bail in 2017, Kanu was facing 11 charges including terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms, and improper importation of goods.
He is currently in the custody of Nigeria’s secret police after a brief court appearance on Tuesday.
His trial is expected to resume on 26 July.
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