The United States Congress has directed the Secretary of State to engage the Nigerian government over the trial, conviction and life imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The directive follows a resolution passed by Congress on May 22, 2026, numbered H.Res. 1321 and moved by Congressman John James.
The resolution calls on Nigeria to ensure all legal proceedings involving Kanu follow its 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 charges.
He is currently serving his sentence at Sokoto Prison.
Kanu and his lawyers have challenged the judgment, arguing that his conviction was based on repealed laws.
He subsequently filed an appeal, though hearings have not yet started.
The <a href=”https://www.congress.gov”>United States Congress</a> specifically called on Nigeria to consider findings by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention regarding Kanu’s detention.
That UN group issued an opinion on July 20, 2022, stating that Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and called for his release and remedies.
Legal Concerns Over Kanu’s Detention
Kanu’s legal team has raised concerns about his incarceration in Sokoto Prison, noting the facility’s distance from Abuja, where his appeal is expected to be heard.
This distance could hamper preparation and conduct of his case, his lawyers say.
Concerns about his personal safety at the prison, located in the historic seat of the Sokoto Caliphate, have also been voiced.
The resolution highlights Kanu’s role as a political figure advocating for communities in southeastern Nigeria.
“Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a political figure known for advocating on behalf of communities in southeastern Nigeria.”
It also notes his public expression of views on political self-determination through speech and advocacy.
“Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has publicly expressed his views regarding political self-determination and governance through speech and advocacy.”
The text points to questions about the circumstances of Kanu’s apprehension in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021, and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria.
“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.”
Legal observers and international bodies have questioned whether this transfer complied with applicable legal standards and international obligations.
“Whereas questions have been raised by legal observers and international bodies regarding whether this transfer complied with applicable legal standards and international obligations.”
US Congress Call For Action
The resolution directly calls on the Government of Nigeria to act in line with constitutional and human rights standards in Kanu’s case.
“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.”
The US Congress wants Nigeria to act appropriately on the UN Working Group’s recommendations.
This development adds international pressure to a case that has drawn attention from human rights groups, legal experts and diplomatic channels.
As Kanu’s appeal remains pending, the US directive signals sustained interest in how Nigeria handles his detention and trial.
Sources: US House Resolution H.Res. 1321, UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention opinion, Daily Sun report, Federal High Court judgment.
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