A United States Congressman, John James, has called on the Nigerian government to release detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu or face potential cuts in US financial support.
Speaking during a US House of Representatives session, James urged lawmakers to back H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced calling for a fresh trial for Kanu in line with Nigeria's Constitution and international human rights standards.
The Michigan lawmaker alleged that Kanu's prosecution was part of a wider 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.
James also claimed extremist groups like Boko Haram had operated with impunity, describing Kanu as "a courageous figure" convicted after what he called a "farce show trial."
He urged Nigeria to "conduct another trial in accordance with its own constitution, or better yet, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally."
The congressman warned that the US should reconsider its support for Nigeria if Kanu remains in detention.
"America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide," he said.
IPOB welcomed the intervention, with spokesperson Emma Powerful describing it as a significant boost to the campaign for Kanu's release.
Kanu, leader of the separatist group seeking an independent Biafra, is currently serving a life sentence after his conviction on terrorism charges in November 2025. He remains in Sokoto prison while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
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