US Congressman Advocates for Nnamdi Kanu's Release

On Thursday, US Congressman John James renewed calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a session in the House of Representatives. He linked Kanu's detention to a broader pattern of religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria, referencing his resolution H.Res. 1321, introduced on May 22, 2026.

This resolution urges the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu adhere to constitutional and international human rights standards. James described Nigeria as the deadliest place for Christians, alleging that tens of thousands have been killed since 2019 due to religiously motivated violence by Islamist jihadists.

He characterized Kanu's life sentence, imposed on November 20, 2025, by Justice James Omotosho for terrorism charges, as a result of a farcical trial. James implored his colleagues to support his resolution, advocating for either a new trial or Kanu's immediate release, warning against continued US financial support for Nigeria amidst these human rights concerns.