Mazi Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu was born on 25 September 1967 in Isiama Afara Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State—right amid the Biafran secession declaration—making him a Biafran citizen by birth. His father, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu (JP), and his mother, Ugoeze Nnenne Kanu, were respected traditional monarchs in the region.
Kanu attended Library Avenue Primary School and Government College Umuahia. He briefly studied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but due to frequent academic disruptions, he traveled to Europe where he completed his education, later becoming a British citizen.
In 2009 he launched Radio Biafra from London, advocating for the independence of southeastern Nigeria. In 2012 (sometimes cited as 2014), he founded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with the goal of restoring the defunct Republic of Biafra—a state that existed between 1967–1970. His broadcasts from Radio Biafra, coupled with impassioned speeches, quickly earned him a prominent following .
On 14 October 2015 Kanu was arrested in Lagos by Nigeria’s Department of State Services and charged with treason, conspiracy, membership of an illegal organization, and intimidation. He was held without trial for over a year until his release on bail in April 2017. In September 2017, he went into hiding after a military raid on his home; later resurfacing in Israel.
In June 2021 he was re-arrested—widely reported to have been apprehended in Kenya, then extradited to Nigeria—though Interpol later denied involvement. As of March 2025 he is on trial in Nigeria, facing seven counts of terrorism and treason, under Judge James Omotosho with proceedings scheduled for late April to early May.
Notable for wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and covering his head in court, he has openly stated that he “believes in Judaism” and considers himself a Jew, often leading IPOB members in Jewish prayers.
Various online sources estimate Nnamdi Kanu’s net worth between USD 10 million to USD 13 million. This wealth is believed to originate largely from donations made globally to support the Biafran cause, funds which have stirred controversy amid allegations of personal misappropriation. While these figures are frequently cited, it’s difficult to verify given the informal channels of donation and the opaque nature of his finances.
FAQs
Who is Nnamdi Kanu, and what is his main goal?
Nnamdi Kanu is a British-Nigerian political activist best known as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). His primary aim is to campaign for the restoration of Biafra—an independent state that seceded from Nigeria between 1967 and 1970. He founded IPOB in 2012 and broadcasts his message via Radio Biafra, based in London.
What has been his experience with the Nigerian legal system?
Kanu was first arrested on treason charges in October 2015, held without trial for over a year, and released on bail in April 2017. In 2021 he was re-arrested abroad and extradited to Nigeria, where as of March 2025 he’s undergoing trial on several terrorism and treason charges under a fourth presiding judge.
What is the source of Nnamdi Kanu’s wealth?
His estimated net worth (USD 10–13 million) appears to come primarily from donations to IPOB and Radio Biafra supporters. Critics allege that a portion of these funds may have been misappropriated, though detailed financial records are unavailable.
What is his current legal status?
As of March 2025, Nnamdi Kanu is in Nigeria, facing trial for seven counts of terrorism and treason. Proceedings resumed in April under Judge James Omotosho, after multiple delays due to changes in judiciary assignments. Kanu has pleaded not guilty.
Also Read: Hafsat Idris’ Biography and Net Worth
