A United States congressman, John James, has called on the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), or risk a review of US financial assistance.
James also urged the Federal Government to grant Kanu a fresh trial that complies with Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights standards.
The Michigan lawmaker made the appeal during a plenary session of the US House of Representatives on Thursday while seeking support for H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced on May 22.
The resolution, currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, calls on Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu meet constitutional requirements and international human rights obligations.
During his remarks, James alleged that Kanu’s prosecution reflected a wider pattern of persecution against Christians in Nigeria. He claimed that thousands of Christians had been killed since 2019 in religiously motivated attacks by Islamist extremist groups and criticised the Nigerian government’s response.
He further alleged that groups such as Boko Haram had operated without meaningful resistance from the authorities.
Describing Kanu as “a courageous figure”, James claimed the IPOB leader was convicted after what he called a “farce show trial” for speaking out against the killings.
He urged fellow lawmakers to back H.Res. 1321, calling on Nigeria to either conduct a new trial that guarantees due process, access to legal counsel, medical care and humane detention conditions, or release Kanu immediately and unconditionally.
James also suggested that the United States should reconsider its financial support for Nigeria if Kanu is not released.
“America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” he said.
He added that the US has a moral responsibility to ensure Christians in Nigeria can worship freely.
Reacting on Friday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful welcomed the congressman’s intervention, describing it as a significant boost to the group’s campaign for Kanu’s release.
Powerful said the statement reflected growing international attention to Kanu’s case and expressed hope that it would encourage the Nigerian government to review the matter.
IPOB is a separatist movement seeking an independent state of Biafra in Nigeria’s South-East and parts of the South-South.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 after being convicted on terrorism charges. He is currently serving his sentence at Sokoto prison while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
