US Congress has taken fresh action on Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the United States Congress has called on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, are conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations.
The call followed the adoption of Resolution H.Res. 1321 by the US House of Representatives on May 22, 2026, urging greater scrutiny of Kanu’s trial, conviction, and detention conditions.
The resolution was introduced by Congressman John James, who asked lawmakers to encourage the Nigerian government to uphold due process and ensure compliance with international legal standards in all proceedings involving the IPOB leader.
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Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho after being convicted on terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
The IPOB leader is currently serving his sentence in Sokoto prison, a development that has continued to generate controversy among his supporters and legal representatives.
Kanu’s lawyers have challenged the judgment, arguing that the conviction was based on repealed laws. An appeal has since been filed, although hearing on the matter has yet to commence.
In its resolution, the US Congress urged the Nigerian government to ensure that Kanu has access to legal representation, adequate medical care, and humane conditions of detention while his legal processes continue.
Lawmakers also called on the US Secretary of State to engage Nigerian authorities on issues relating to due process, detention conditions, and respect for fundamental rights.
The resolution referenced concerns raised by international bodies and legal observers regarding Kanu’s arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021 and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria.
According to the lawmakers, questions remain over whether the transfer complied with applicable legal standards and international obligations.
The US Congress further urged the Nigerian government to carefully consider the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which in a 2022 opinion concluded that Kanu’s detention violated international human rights obligations and recommended his release alongside appropriate remedies.
The lawmakers noted that concerns have also been raised by human rights organisations regarding access to counsel, detention conditions, and the availability of adequate medical care.
Part of the resolution reads: “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.”
It also encouraged Nigerian authorities to guarantee consistent access to legal counsel, medical treatment, and humane detention conditions while reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the promotion of human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law globally.
The development is expected to further intensify international attention on Kanu’s case as legal efforts to overturn his conviction continue.
