Viral Video Sparks False Claims of UN Ultimatum Over Nnamdi Kanu Detention
A viral Facebook video has ignited widespread debate by falsely asserting that the United Nations issued a 60-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. The video, shared on February 14, 2026, by a user identified as HolyGhost Son TV, features clips of court proceedings and the UN headquarters, accompanied by commentary alleging international sanctions against Nigeria.
Social Media Reactions and Misinformation Spread
The post quickly gained traction online, amassing hundreds of reactions, comments, and shares within days. Social media users expressed sharply divided views, with some welcoming the claims as a positive development, while others dismissed them as misleading and false. For instance, one user, Ernest Asuquo, described the report as encouraging but criticized Nigeria for its history of disobeying court orders. Conversely, skeptics like Friday Ibrahim pointed out the prevalence of fake news surrounding Kanu's case, urging for more factual reporting.
Fact-Checking Reveals the Truth
Nigerian fact-checking organization DUBAWA investigated the claims and traced their origin to a 2022 opinion by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD). In that year, the UNWGAD urged Nigeria to release Kanu unconditionally and compensate him, citing his extradition from Kenya in June 2021 as unlawful. However, the working group requested updates within six months on steps taken to implement its recommendations, not a 60-day ultimatum.
DUBAWA established that the UNWGAD is an advisory body with no authority to issue ultimatums, impose sanctions, or enforce measures on sovereign states. It does not operate a color-coded alert system or automatically refer cases to the UN Security Council. Its follow-up process is limited to requesting information from governments, making the claims of deadlines and sanctions baseless.
Dismissal of Sanctions and Asset Seizure Claims
The video further suggested that Nigeria risked frozen assets and international sanctions if Kanu was not released. However, international law does not permit the automatic release of detainees or seizure of a country's assets based solely on unmet UN recommendations. There is no precedent for freezing a nation's central bank accounts due to non-implementation of a UN working group's opinion.
In summary, the United Nations did not issue a 60-day ultimatum to Tinubu's government over Kanu's detention. The UNWGAD's opinions remain non-binding recommendations without enforcement powers, rendering the viral claims entirely false. This misinformation highlights the need for critical evaluation of social media content, especially regarding sensitive political and legal matters in Nigeria.
