A video of Donald Trump, President-elect of the United States (US), purportedly asking the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) before November 31, has surfaced on social media.
Trump threatened to withdraw medical, financial, and humanitarian aid from Nigeria in the video posted on TikTok.
He also warned that Nigeria would face sanctions if the country did not heed his request.
“I am calling on the Nigerian government to immediately release Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained under circumstances that raise questions about fairness and human rights and basic justice,” Trump allegedly said.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s detention has lingered for too long and it’s time for the Nigerian government to respect the principles of freedom and the rule of law.
“Now, let me be clear, if Mr Kanu is not being released before November 31 2024, my administration will begin the process of withdrawing medical, financial and humanitarian aid, that we provide to Nigeria.
“The United States stands for justice and we expect our allies to uphold the same values. In addition, if Nigeria does not take this step, I will meet with other world leaders to discuss further actions, including sanctions against Nigeria.”
The video was shared on November 16 by @Queen Of All on TikTok.
The video has garnered 339K views, 1.3k likes, 886 reposts and 703 comments.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) since he was extradited from Kenya in June 2021 and charged with treasonable felony.
VERIFYING THE CLAIM
TheCable found that the video used in the TikTok video was from Trump’s election victory speech, which he delivered shortly after he won the US election on November 6.
Trump’s alleged ultimatum set the deadline for November 31, where as November only has 30 days.
TheCable also noticed the inconsistent blinking of Trump’s eyes and the mismatch between his lip movements and his voice.
VERDICT
The claim that Trump gave the Nigerian government a deadline of November 31 to release Nmamdi Kanu is fake.
