US Lawmaker Urges Nigeria to Free Nnamdi Kanu, Warns of Possible Aid Cuts

A United States congressman has urged the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu or face a review of American assistance to Nigeria, arguing that Washington should not continue providing financial support while concerns over his detention remain unresolved.

The call was made by John James, a Republican representing Michigan in the US House of Representatives, during a plenary session while seeking support for House Resolution 1321 (H.Res. 1321), which he introduced on May 22, 2026.

The resolution, currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, urges Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu comply with the country's Constitution and internationally recognised human rights standards.

Addressing fellow lawmakers, James argued that Kanu should either be granted a fresh trial conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions or be released unconditionally.

He alleged that the IPOB leader had not received due process and linked his prosecution to broader concerns over the treatment of Christians in Nigeria.

James also claimed that religiously motivated violence against Christians has persisted for years and criticised what he described as an inadequate response by Nigerian authorities to attacks carried out by extremist groups, including Boko Haram.

"America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide," James said while urging lawmakers to support the resolution.

He added that the United States has a moral obligation to defend religious freedom and ensure Christians in Nigeria can practise their faith without fear.

Beyond Kanu's release, the proposed resolution recommends that he be granted unrestricted access to legal counsel, adequate medical care and humane detention conditions pending the conclusion of his legal proceedings, in line with international human rights obligations.

The intervention was welcomed by IPOB, whose spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described the resolution as a significant development in the campaign for Kanu's release.

In a statement issued on Friday, Powerful said the measure reflected growing international attention to Kanu's case and expressed hope that it would encourage Nigerian authorities to reconsider his detention.

The Federal Government has consistently maintained that Kanu's prosecution followed due legal process and has repeatedly insisted that the matter remains within the judicial process.

Kanu, leader of IPOB, was convicted on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025. He is currently serving his sentence at Sokoto Prison while pursuing an appeal against the judgment.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official response to the latest comments by the US congressman.

IPOB seeks the creation of an independent Biafra from Nigeria's South-East and parts of the South-South. The organisation was proscribed by the Federal Government after being designated a terrorist group over activities authorities say threaten Nigeria's national security.

House Resolution 1321 is a non-binding congressional resolution. Even if adopted by the US House of Representatives, it would not compel the US government to reduce assistance to Nigeria. However, such resolutions can influence policy debates and signal congressional sentiment on foreign policy and human rights issues.

The latest intervention comes as Kanu's legal battle continues to attract attention from supporters, rights advocates and political observers both within Nigeria and abroad. Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities have maintained that his case will continue to be determined through the country's judicial system.