The embattled leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu is a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Since his re-arrest in June, his lawyers have reportedly sought consular assistance from the United Kingdom in order to ensure that he is released. However, there is a lot of misconception as to the kind of consular assistance the UK can give Kanu.

Consular assistance is help and advice provided by the diplomatic agents of a country to citizens of that country who are living or traveling overseas.The diplomats may be honorary consuls, or members of the country’s diplomatic service.

We take a look at the official guide for British Nationals abroad which clearly stipulates the kind of assistance that can be rendered to people in situations like that of Kanu.

Below is a list of services they can legally render;

#1. Provision of replacement travel documents

#2. Advice and support in the case of an accident, serious illness, or death

#3. Advice and support to victims of serious crime overseas, and arranging for next-of-kin to be informed

#4. Visitation contact with incarcerated nationals

#5. Liaison with local police officials in the case of nationals abducted or missing overseas

#6. Loans to distressed travellers

#7. Help during crises, such as civil unrest and natural disasters

#8. Facilitating the overseas payment of social welfare benefits

#9. Registering citizen births abroad

#10. Providing a list of local doctors and lawyers for medical and/or legal issues

#11. Supervising their flag vessels in foreign harbours

Such assistance commonly does not extend to:

#1. Storing luggage or valuables

#2. Intervening in commercial disputes on behalf of their nationals

#3. Providing travel agency, banking, or postal services

#4. Changing Money

#5. Translation and Interpreting services

#6. Legal advice or Advocacy

#7. Negotiation of special treatment, bail, or early release from prison

#8. Criminal Investigation

#9. Employment Services