Dean Hurlock, a spokesperson of the British High Commission, disclosed this in a message sent to a national daily yesterday.

Kanu, who is also a British citizen, was arrested on Sunday and extradited to Nigeria to face trial for alleged treason.

Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), said on Tuesday that the IPOB leader was “intercepted through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and Security Services.”

He did not state where the separatist leader was arrested, but TheCable learnt that Kanu, who is based in the UK, was lured to an African country with a promise of cash donations and was then picked up.

In the message shared with TheCable, Hurlock said the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office “stands ready to provide consular assistance”.