US Congressman Renews Call for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Cites Human Rights Concerns

A United States Congressman, John James, has renewed calls for the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

James made the call on the floor of the United States House of Representatives on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while speaking in support of a resolution seeking constitutional and human rights safeguards in Kanu’s case.

The Michigan lawmaker’s intervention is linked to H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced in May 2026, which calls on the Nigerian Government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu comply with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.

The resolution is currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

During his address, James also raised concerns over the killings of Christians in Nigeria and alleged that the country has witnessed a sustained pattern of religiously motivated violence. He linked his concerns to what he described as the wider human rights situation in Nigeria.

Speaking specifically about Kanu’s case, the Congressman called for either a fresh trial conducted in accordance with constitutional and international legal standards or the immediate release of the IPOB leader.

He also cited a 2022 opinion of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which found that Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and recommended his release.

Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 after being convicted on terrorism related charges. He is currently being held at the Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja.

The latest intervention by the US lawmaker is expected to further draw international attention to Kanu’s legal status and the broader debate surrounding his prosecution, detention, human rights and the security situation in Southeast Nigeria.