By John Azu<\/p>\n
The United States Congress has passed a resolution urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to engage the Nigerian Government over concerns surrounding the trial, detention and welfare of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.<\/p>\n
The resolution, H. Res. 1321, followed a motion introduced by Congressman John James on May 22 and made public on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
In the motion, James called on the US Congress to urge the Nigerian Government to ensure that all proceedings involving Kanu comply with constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations.<\/p>\n
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho on terrorism-related charges arising from his agitation for the independence of Nigeria’s South-East region.<\/p>\n
He has since appealed the judgment before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging both his conviction and continued detention at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Sokoto. His lawyers argue that his incarceration far from his legal team and family undermines his access to justice, safety and wellbeing.<\/p>\n
In the resolution, the US Congress noted concerns raised by international bodies, legal observers and human rights organisations regarding Kanu’s arrest, transfer to Nigeria and detention conditions.<\/p>\n
The resolution stated:<\/p>\n
“Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a political figure known for advocating on behalf of communities in southeastern Nigeria;<\/p>\n
“Whereas Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has publicly expressed his views regarding political self-determination and governance through speech and advocacy;<\/p>\n
“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;<\/p>\n
“Whereas questions have been raised by legal observers and international bodies regarding whether this transfer complied with applicable legal standards and international obligations;<\/p>\n
“Whereas the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in an opinion issued on July 20, 2022, found that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and called for his release and the provision of remedies;<\/p>\n
“Whereas courts in Kenya have issued rulings concerning the legality of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s transfer from Kenya to Nigeria;<\/p>\n
“Whereas concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding due process, access to counsel, and conditions of detention;<\/p>\n
“Whereas prolonged detention without adequate medical care raises serious humanitarian concerns;<\/p>\n
“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;<\/p>\n
“Whereas the United States has a longstanding commitment to advocating for the protection of human rights and the rule of law globally; and Whereas the United States has previously engaged diplomatically in cases involving individuals detained abroad where credible concerns of wrongful detention exist.”<\/p>\n
The resolution further stated:<\/p>\n
“That the House of Representatives calls 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;<\/p>\n
“Urges 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;<\/p>\n
“Encourages the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistent access to legal counsel, necessary medical care, and humane conditions of detention;<\/p>\n
“Encourages 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 reaffirms the commitment of the United States to the protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law worldwide.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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