US Lawmaker Urges Nigeria To Release Nnamdi Kanu Or Risk Losing American Aid

A member of the United States House of Representatives, John James, has called on the Nigerian government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or risk losing American financial assistance.

Speaking during a plenary session of the US House of Representatives, the Michigan congressman urged fellow lawmakers to support H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced seeking a fresh trial for Kanu in line with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards.

James alleged that Kanu’s prosecution reflected a broader pattern of persecution against Christians in Nigeria.

“Since 2019, tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria have been slaughtered as part of a sustained pattern of religiously motivated violence by Islamist jihadists ignored or enabled by the Nigerian government,” he said.

The US lawmaker further alleged that extremist groups, including Boko Haram, had continued to operate without meaningful resistance from Nigerian authorities. He described Kanu as “a courageous figure” who was convicted after what he termed “a farce show trial.”

He urged the Nigerian government to either retry Kanu in accordance with its constitution or release him.

“Conduct another trial in accordance with its own constitution, or better yet, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally,” James said.

The congressman also warned that the United States should reconsider its financial support for Nigeria if Kanu remains in detention.

“America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” he stated.

Meanwhile, IPOB has welcomed the intervention, describing it as a significant boost to its campaign for Kanu’s release.

The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the statement by the US lawmaker strengthened its calls for the release of the separatist leader.

Kanu, leader of the separatist group seeking an independent Biafra, is serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges in November 2025. He is currently being held at Sokoto prison while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.