The United States Congress has called on the US Secretary of State to engage the Nigerian government over the trial, conviction, and imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The call followed the passage of Resolution H.Res. 1321 by the US Congress on May 22, 2026, following a motion sponsored by Congressman John James.
In the motion, James urged Congress to call on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in full compliance with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, after being convicted on terrorism related charges brought against him by the Nigerian government. He is currently serving his sentence at a correctional facility in Sokoto State.
However, Kanu and his legal team have consistently challenged the judgment, arguing that the conviction was based on repealed laws. An appeal has since been filed, although hearing on the matter has yet to commence.
In the resolution adopted by the Congress, US lawmakers urged the Nigerian government to ensure that Kanu’s legal proceedings comply with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards.
The lawmakers also requested that the US Secretary of State engage Nigerian authorities on concerns relating to Kanu’s detention conditions and broader issues of due process.
Kanu and his representatives have repeatedly expressed concerns over his detention in Sokoto, citing the distance from Abuja, where his appeal is expected to be heard. They argued that the location could affect the preparation and presentation of his appeal. Concerns have also been raised regarding his safety while in custody.
The resolution further called on the Nigerian government to review the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention regarding Kanu’s detention and take appropriate action consistent with those findings.
Part of the resolution states:
“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 circumstances 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, including 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.”
