US Congress Urges Diplomatic Engagement with Nigeria Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Proceedings
By Rufus Nnamdi
E-ISSN:2354-4481
The United States Congress has called on the US Secretary of State to engage with the Nigerian government regarding the legal proceedings involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with emphasis on adherence to constitutional and international human rights standards.
The call followed the passage of Resolution H.Res. 1321 by the US Congress on May 22, 2026. A copy of the resolution, obtained in Abuja on Tuesday, outlines concerns surrounding Kanu’s trial, conviction, and continued incarceration in Nigeria.
The resolution was sponsored by Congressman John James, who urged the US Congress to encourage the Nigerian government to ensure that all judicial proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions and its obligations under international human rights frameworks.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja following his conviction on terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government. The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, and Kanu is currently serving his sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
However, Kanu and his legal team have challenged the conviction, arguing that the judgment was based on laws they contend had been repealed. They have since filed an appeal against the decision, although proceedings on the appeal are yet to commence.
In its resolution, the US Congress also urged the Nigerian government to consider the findings and recommendations of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention regarding Kanu’s detention and to take appropriate action consistent with international legal standards.
Additionally, concerns were raised about Kanu’s continued detention in Sokoto, with members of his legal team and representatives arguing that the distance between the correctional facility and Abuja could pose logistical challenges to the preparation and hearing of his appeal. They also expressed concerns regarding his safety and welfare while in custody.
Part of the resolution highlighted concerns that have been raised by legal observers and international organisations regarding the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021 and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria. The resolution noted that questions have been raised about whether the process complied with applicable legal procedures and international obligations.
The US Congress further referenced an opinion issued by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on July 20, 2022, which concluded that Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and recommended remedial measures.
The resolution ultimately called on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal processes involving Kanu are conducted transparently, fairly, and in full compliance with constitutional guarantees and internationally recognised human rights principles.
