A United States Congressman, John James, has called on the Nigerian government to either release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or face possible cuts in US financial support.
Speaking during a plenary session of the US House of Representatives, James urged lawmakers to back H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced seeking a fresh trial for Kanu in line with Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights standards.
The Michigan lawmaker alleged that Kanu’s prosecution was part of a broader pattern of persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
“Since 2019, tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria have been sla¥ghtered as part of a sustained pattern of religiously motivated v+olence by Islamist jihadists ignored or enabled by the Nigerian government,” he said.
James further claimed extremist groups such as Boko Haram had operated without meaningful resistance from Nigerian authorities, describing Kanu as “a courageous figure” who was convicted after what he called a “farce show trial.”
He urged the Nigerian government to “conduct another trial in accordance with its own constitution, or better yet, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally.”
The congressman also warned that the US should reconsider its support for Nigeria if Kanu remains in detention.
“America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” he said.
IPOB welcomed the intervention, with its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, describing it as a major boost to the group’s campaign for Kanu’s release.
Kanu, leader of the separatist group seeking an independent Biafra, is currently serving a life sentence after his conviction on terrorism charges in November 2025. He remains in Sokoto prison while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
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