02/06/2026
BREAKING: US Congress Asks Secretary of State to Engage Nigerian Government Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Case
The United States Congress has called on the US Secretary of State to engage the Nigerian government over the trial, conviction, and imprisonment of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a resolution passed on May 22, 2026, US lawmakers urged Nigeria to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu follow the country’s constitution and international human rights standards.
The Congress also asked the Nigerian government to consider the United Nations report which described Kanu’s detention as a violation of international human rights obligations.
Lawmakers expressed concerns about Kanu’s detention conditions, access to legal representation, medical care, and the fairness of the legal process. They also urged US diplomatic engagement with Nigeria on issues of due process and fundamental rights.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted on terrorism charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja. He has appealed the judgment, insisting that his conviction was based on repealed laws.