US Congressman John James Demands Release of Nnamdi Kanu

U.S. Representative John James of Michigan urged the Nigerian government on July 24 and 26, 2026, to unconditionally release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Speaking during House of Representatives plenary sessions, James advocated for H.Res. 1321, a bill introduced in May 2026 that calls for Kanu's release or a new trial conducted in accordance with Nigerian constitutional and international human rights standards.

James characterized Kanu's November 2025 life sentence on terrorism charges as the result of a "farce show trial." He linked the detention to a wider pattern of religious persecution, alleging that Nigeria is the deadliest place on earth for Christians and that the government has enabled Islamist jihadists and Boko Haram. James explicitly questioned the morality of U.S. financial aid to Nigeria, suggesting that billions in assistance should not continue if a "Christian genocide" is occurring.

IPOB praised the intervention, describing Kanu as a "global symbol of injustice." The group noted that the U.S. effort follows other diplomatic activities, including a delegation received by the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem. The Nigerian government has rejected these claims, maintaining that Kanu's prosecution followed due legal process. Kanu remains imprisoned in Sokoto while appealing his judgment.