Biafra: US Congress asks Secretary of State to engage Nigerian Govt over Nnamdi Kanu conviction and imprisonment

The United States Congress has asked the country’s Secretary of State to engage the Nigerian government on the trial, conviction and imprisonment of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The development followed a resolution passed by the Congress on May 22, 2026. A copy of the resolution was obtained by OSMEK NEWS

The resolution, numbered H.Res. 1321, followed a motion by Congressman John James. James, in the motion, asked the Congress to call on the Government of Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in full accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.

Kanu was on November 20, 2025, sentenced to life imprisonment by an Abuja Federal High Court presided by Justice James Omotosho, following his conviction on terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government. The IPOB leader is currently serving the life sentence in Sokoto prison.

Kanu and his lawyers had kicked against the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho in the terrorism trial, arguing that his conviction was based on repealed laws.

The pro-Biafra activist had filed an appeal to challenge his conviction but hearing in the suit is yet to commence.

In the resolution adopted by the Congress, US lawmakers asked the Nigerian government to ensure that Kanu’s trial is conducted in compliance with constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.

The US Secretary of State was asked to engage the Nigerian authorities on the matter, as well as issues relating to Kanu’s detention conditions.

Kanu and his representatives had frowned at his detention in the Sokoto prison, citing the distance to Abuja, where the appeal is expected to be heard. They argued that the distance could undermine the preparation and presentation of the appeal. Concerns were also raised about the IPOB leader’s safety in the prison located in the seat of the caliphate.

The US Congress specifically asked the Nigerian government to consider a report on Kanu’s detention by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and take appropriate action on the findings.

The resolution read:

“Calling on the Government of Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are conducted in full accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.

“Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a political figure known for advocating on behalf of communities in southeastern Nigeria;

“Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has publicly expressed his views regarding political self-determination and governance through speech and advocacy;

“Whereas concerns have been raised regarding the circircumstances of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s apprehension in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021, and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria;

“Whereas questions have been raised by legal observers and international bodies regarding whether this transfer complied with applicable legal standards and international obligations;

“Whereas the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in an opinion issued on July 20, 2022, found that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and called for his release and the provision of remedies;

“Whereas courts in Kenya have issued rulings concerning the legality of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s transfer from Kenya to Nigeria;

“Whereas concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding due process, access to counsel, and conditions of detention;

“Whereas prolonged detention without adequate medical care raises serious humanitarian concerns;

“Whereas the protection of freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and humane treatment of detainees are fundamental principles recognized under international law, inincluding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

“Whereas the United States has a longstanding commitment to advocating for the protection of human rights and the rule of law globally; and Whereas the United States has previously engaged diplomatically in cases involving individuals detained abroad where credible concerns of wrongful detention exist.

“Now, therefore, be it Resolved:

“That the House of Representatives calls on the Government of Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are conducted in full accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments;

“Urges the Government of Nigeria to carefully consider the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and to take appropriate steps consistent with those findings;

“Encourages the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistent access to legal counsel, necessary medical care, and humane conditions of detention;

“Encourages the Secretary of State to engage with the Government of Nigeria regarding concerns related to due process, detention conditions, and respect for fundamental rights; and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law worldwide.”

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