United States 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 ensure that his case complies with constitutional and international human rights standards.
James made the appeal on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, where he linked Kanu’s continued detention to what he described as religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
The Michigan lawmaker referenced **H.Res. 1321**, a resolution he introduced on May 22, 2026, which urges the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution and its international human rights obligations. The resolution is currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Speaking during the session, James alleged that Nigeria has witnessed persistent violence against Christians in recent years and claimed that extremist groups, including Boko Haram, have continued to operate despite government efforts to tackle insecurity.
Addressing Kanu’s case, the congressman criticised the IPOB leader’s conviction, describing the trial as unfair. He argued that Kanu should either be granted a fresh trial that complies with constitutional and international legal standards or be released.
James called on the Nigerian government to ensure Kanu has access to legal representation, medical care and humane detention conditions consistent with international standards. He further urged his colleagues to support his resolution.
The congressman also questioned continued U.S. financial assistance to Nigeria, arguing that future support should be tied to improvements in the protection of fundamental human rights and religious freedom.
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 Abuja following his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2021 and subsequent transfer to Nigeria.
The resolution sponsored by James also references a July 20, 2022, opinion of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which concluded that Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and recommended his release, along with appropriate remedies.
The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that Kanu’s prosecution followed due process under Nigerian law and that the charges against him were determined by a competent court.