A member of the United States House of Representatives, John James, has called on the Nigerian government to either release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or face the possibility of reduced US financial support.
Speaking during a plenary session of the US House of Representatives, the Michigan lawmaker urged his colleagues to support H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced seeking a fresh trial for Kanu in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights standards.
James alleged that Kanu’s prosecution reflected a broader pattern of persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
He claimed that since 2019, thousands of Christians had been killed in religiously motivated attacks by extremist groups, which he alleged had not been adequately addressed by the Nigerian government.
He further described Kanu as “a courageous figure” and criticised his conviction, urging Nigerian authorities to either conduct a new trial that complies with constitutional and international legal standards or release him unconditionally.
The congressman also warned that the United States should reconsider its financial assistance to Nigeria if Kanu remains in detention.
“America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” James said during the session.
Reacting to the remarks, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful described the intervention as a significant boost to the group’s campaign for Kanu’s release.
Kanu, who leads the separatist group advocating for an independent Biafra, is serving a life sentence after being convicted on terrorism-related charges in November 2025.
He is currently being held in Sokoto prison while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
