US congressman urges Nigeria to release Nnamdi Kanu
A US lawmaker, John James, has renewed calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. James linked Kanu's detention to a broader pattern of religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria. He introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives urging the Nigerian government to ensure fair legal proceedings for Kanu. The resolution also references international concerns about Kanu's detention and calls for either a new trial or his unconditional release.
What we know
- John James introduced H.Res. 1321 on May 22, 2026, urging Nigeria to comply with constitutional and international human rights in Nnamdi Kanu's case.
- Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by a Federal High Court in Abuja, following his conviction on terrorism charges.
- The resolution cites a July 20, 2022 United Nations opinion stating that Kanu's detention violated international human rights obligations and recommended his release.
- James described Nigeria as the deadliest place for Christians, alleging tens of thousands have been killed since 2019.
- Kanu is currently held at the Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, after his 2021 arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, and transfer to Nigeria.
