United States Congressman John James, a Republican representing Michigan, has urged the U.S. House of Representatives to support a resolution calling on the Nigerian government to either grant a fresh trial to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in accordance with constitutional and international legal standards or release him immediately.
Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, James renewed his support for House Resolution (H.Res.) 132*, which he introduced earlier this year.
The resolution calls on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu comply with Nigeria’s Constitution and its international human rights obligations.
The resolution remains before the House Committee on Foreign
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu’s wife denies divorce reports, mocks speculation on social media
During his address, the congressman argued that Kanu’s continued detention has raised questions about due process and fair trial guarantees. He also linked the issue to broader concerns about religious violence and human rights in Nigeria, urging U.S. lawmakers to pay closer attention to developments in the country.
James called on the Nigerian authorities to conduct any further legal proceedings transparently and in line with constitutional provisions, including ensuring access to legal representation, medical care and other protections recognised under domestic and international law.
He argued that if those standards could not be met, Kanu should be released.
The intervention marks one of the most prominent discussions of Kanu’s case on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives since the resolution was introduced in May 2026.
The measure references concerns surrounding Kanu’s arrest in Kenya in 2021, his transfer to Nigeria and subsequent legal proceedings.
Kanu, who leads the Indigenous People of Biafra, remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial political figures.
His case has attracted significant domestic and international attention, with supporters alleging violations of his rights while the Nigerian government has maintained that it is acting within the law in prosecuting him.
The latest development has already drawn reactions from IPOB, which described the congressman’s intervention as a significant boost to its campaign for Kanu’s release and urged the international community to continue engaging with Nigerian authorities on the matter