US lawmaker urges fairness in Nnamdi Kanu’s case

A resolution urging the Nigerian government to uphold constitutional and international human rights standards in the legal proceedings involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been introduced in the US House of Representatives.

H.Res. 1321, titled “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,” was introduced on May 22, 2026, and sighted on Tuesday.

Proposed by Rep. John James, the resolution raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s apprehension in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021 and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria.

It also referenced findings by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which, in a July 20, 2022 opinion, said Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and called for his release and the provision of remedies.

The resolution further noted concerns raised by legal observers, courts in Kenya, and human rights organisations regarding due process, access to legal counsel, and detention conditions.

It stated that prolonged detention without adequate medical care raises humanitarian concerns and emphasised the protection of freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and humane treatment of detainees under international law.

The resolution reads in part, “Whereas Nnamdi Kanu is a political figure known for advocating on behalf of communities in southeastern Nigeria;

“Whereas Nnamdi Kanu has publicly expressed his views regarding political self-determination and governance through speech and advocacy;

“Whereas concerns have been raised by human rights organisations regarding due process, access to counsel, and conditions of detention;

“Whereas prolonged detention without adequate medical care raises serious humanitarian concerns;

“Whereas the protection of freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and humane treatment of detainees are fundamental principles recognized under international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

“Whereas the United States has a longstanding commitment to advocating for the protection of human rights and the rule of law globally.”

PUNCH Online reports that following a terrorism-related charges trial after his rendition from Kenya in June 2021, the IPOB leader was on November 20, 2025, convicted on seven counts by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but the judge imposed life imprisonment.

Kanu filed a notice of appeal on February 4, 2026, at the Court of Appeal, listing many grounds challenging the conviction.

He is seeking to have the judgment quashed and his sentences set aside.

However, the proposed resolution calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to “(1) call 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;

“(2) urge the Government of Nigeria to carefully consider the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and to take appropriate steps consistent with those findings;

“(3) encourage the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistent access to legal counsel, necessary medical care, and humane conditions of detention;

“(4) encourage the Secretary of State to engage with the Government of Nigeria regarding concerns related to due process, detention conditions, and respect for fundamental rights; and

“(5) reaffirm the commitment of the United States to the protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law worldwide.”

As of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the resolution remains in the introductory stage with no cosponsors listed and has not yet been scheduled for further action.

It expresses the position of the US House of Representatives and is non-binding.