US Congress Calls for Fair Legal Process in Nnamdi Kanu Case
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June 4, 2026
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The United States Congress has urged the Secretary of State to engage with the Nigerian government regarding the trial, conviction, and continued imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The resolution urges the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in strict accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the country's international human rights obligations.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, after being found guilty of terrorism-related charges brought by the Nigerian government. He is currently serving his sentence at Sokoto Correctional Centre.
However, Kanu and his legal team have challenged the verdict, arguing that the conviction was based on laws that had already been repealed. An appeal has since been filed, although proceedings on the matter have yet to begin.
In its resolution, the US Congress also called on the Nigerian government to consider the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning Kanu's detention and to take appropriate action on its recommendations.
Meanwhile, Kanu's lawyers and supporters have expressed concerns over his continued detention in Sokoto Prison, arguing that its distance from Abuja—where his appeal is expected to be heard—could hinder effective preparation for his legal proceedings. They have also raised concerns about his safety while in custody at the facility.
The resolution urges the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in strict accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the country's international human rights obligations.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, after being found guilty of terrorism-related charges brought by the Nigerian government. He is currently serving his sentence at Sokoto Correctional Centre.
However, Kanu and his legal team have challenged the verdict, arguing that the conviction was based on laws that had already been repealed. An appeal has since been filed, although proceedings on the matter have yet to begin.
In its resolution, the US Congress also called on the Nigerian government to consider the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning Kanu's detention and to take appropriate action on its recommendations.
Meanwhile, Kanu's lawyers and supporters have expressed concerns over his continued detention in Sokoto Prison, arguing that its distance from Abuja—where his appeal is expected to be heard—could hinder effective preparation for his legal proceedings. They have also raised concerns about his safety while in custody at the facility.
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