A member of the United States House of Representatives, Congressman John James, has urged the Nigerian government to either release the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or face the possibility of reduced American financial assistance.
James, who represents Michigan in the US Congress, made the remarks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives on Thursday while seeking support for H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced on May 22 concerning Kanu’s legal situation.
The proposed resolution, currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, calls on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in strict compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and internationally recognized human rights standards.
Addressing lawmakers, James argued that Kanu should be granted a fresh trial that guarantees access to legal representation, medical care, and humane detention conditions in line with both domestic and international legal obligations.
The congressman further alleged that Kanu’s prosecution reflects a broader pattern of discrimination and persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
According to him, thousands of Christians have been killed in recent years in what he described as persistent religiously motivated violence carried out by extremist groups. He claimed that Nigerian authorities had failed to effectively confront the threat posed by groups such as Boko Haram.
James described Kanu as a “courageous figure” and criticized the judicial process that led to his conviction, alleging that it fell short of acceptable legal standards.
“I implore my colleagues to support my bill, H.Res. 1321, calling on the Nigerian government to conduct another trial in accordance with its own constitution based on evidence with access to legal counsel, medical care, and international law about humane conditions of detention, or better yet, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally,” he told the House.
The lawmaker also suggested that the United States should reassess its financial support to Nigeria if Kanu remains imprisoned.
“America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” James stated, while stressing what he described as America’s moral responsibility to support religious freedom globally.
His comments have sparked fresh attention to Kanu’s case, which has remained one of Nigeria’s most controversial legal and political issues.
Reacting to the development, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful praised the congressman’s intervention, describing it as a major boost to the group’s long-running campaign for Kanu’s release.
In a statement issued on Friday, Powerful said the remarks signaled increasing international concern over the IPOB leader’s imprisonment.
“We commend Congressman John James for his courage and the United States Congress for providing the platform,” the statement said.
He added that the growing international focus on the case could encourage Nigerian authorities to reconsider Kanu’s situation and review the legal process surrounding his conviction.
IPOB, a separatist movement seeking the creation of an independent Biafra state from Nigeria’s South-East and parts of the South-South region, has remained at the center of political and security debates in the country for years.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 after being convicted on terrorism-related charges. He is currently serving his sentence at Sokoto prison while awaiting the outcome of an appeal challenging the conviction.
.jfif)
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!