A member of the United States House of Representatives, John James, has called on the Nigerian government to either grant Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a fresh trial or release him, while also urging the United States to review its financial assistance to Nigeria.
Speaking on the floor of the US House of Representatives, the Michigan congressman urged fellow lawmakers to support House Resolution 1321 (H.Res. 1321), which he introduced. According to James, the resolution seeks a fresh trial for Kanu in line with the provisions of Nigeria’s Constitution and internationally recognised human rights standards.
During his remarks, James alleged that Kanu’s prosecution reflects what he described as a broader pattern of persecution against Christians in Nigeria. He also criticised the Nigerian government’s handling of insecurity, claiming that extremist groups such as Boko Haram have continued to operate despite ongoing security operations.
The US lawmaker further argued that Kanu should either be retried in accordance with the law or released unconditionally.
“Since 2019, tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria have been slaughtered as part of a sustained pattern of religiously motivated violence by Islamist jihadists ignored or enabled by the Nigerian government. America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” James said.
He also warned that the United States should reconsider its financial support to Nigeria if Kanu remains in detention.
Reacting to the development, IPOB welcomed the congressman’s comments. The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described the intervention as a significant boost to its long-running campaign for Kanu’s release.
The latest remarks have renewed debate over Kanu’s detention, Nigeria’s security challenges and the country’s human rights record.
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