US LAWMAKER RENEWS CALL FOR NNAMDI KANU'S RELEASE, CITES HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS

 US LAWMAKER RENEWS CALL FOR NNAMDI KANU'S RELEASE, CITES HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS


A member of the United States House of Representatives, Congressman John James, has renewed his call for the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, urging the Nigerian government to either grant him a fresh trial in line with constitutional and international legal standards or release him unconditionally.

Speaking on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, James linked Kanu's continued detention to broader concerns over the treatment of Christians in Nigeria. He referred to House Resolution 1321 (H.Res. 1321), which he introduced on May 22, 2026, calling on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu comply with Nigeria's Constitution and international human rights obligations. The resolution is currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

James alleged that Nigeria has experienced widespread violence against Christians, claiming that thousands have been killed since 2019. He further alleged that extremist groups, including Boko Haram, have continued to operate with inadequate government response.

Addressing Kanu's case, the congressman described the IPOB leader's conviction as unjust and argued that he should be granted a constitutionally compliant retrial with access to legal representation, medical care, and humane detention conditions, or be released.

James also questioned continued U.S. financial support to Nigeria, stating that concerns over religious freedom and human rights should remain a priority in bilateral relations.

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja after being convicted on terrorism-related charges. He is currently being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory following his arrest in Kenya in 2021 and subsequent transfer to Nigeria.

The U.S. lawmaker's resolution also referenced a July 20, 2022, opinion by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which concluded that Kanu's detention violated international human rights standards and recommended his release.

The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that Kanu is being prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law and through the country's judicial process.












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