US Lawmakers Urge Nigeria to Uphold Due Process in Nnamdi Kanu Case

A United States congressman, John James, has called for closer attention to the legal proceedings involving Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, urging Nigeria to uphold constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards.

The call came after the U.S. House of Representatives reportedly adopted Resolution H.Res. 1321 on May 22, 2026, following a motion sponsored by James.

The resolution requests that the U.S. Secretary of State engage Nigerian authorities on matters relating to Kanu’s detention, legal representation, access to healthcare and due process protections.

James urged Congress to encourage Nigeria to ensure that all proceedings involving Kanu are conducted in accordance with both domestic constitutional requirements and international legal obligations.

Kanu has remained at the centre of a high-profile legal battle since his arrest and transfer to Nigeria in 2021.

According to the resolution, concerns persist regarding the circumstances of his arrest in Kenya and subsequent rendition to Nigeria in June 2021.

The document stated that international observers and legal experts have questioned whether the transfer complied with established legal standards and international obligations.

It also highlighted the July 2022 opinion of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which found that Kanu’s detention breached international human rights obligations and recommended corrective measures.

The resolution urged Nigerian authorities to carefully review the UN findings and take appropriate action in line with the recommendations.

Issues raised in the document include access to legal counsel, detention conditions, medical care and respect for due process rights.

The lawmakers called on the Nigerian Government to ensure that Kanu receives consistent legal access, adequate medical attention and humane treatment while in detention.

The resolution also asked the U.S. Secretary of State to engage Nigerian authorities on concerns relating to detention conditions, procedural fairness and respect for fundamental rights.

Citing concerns previously raised by human rights groups, lawmakers stressed that fair trial rights, freedom of expression, humane treatment of detainees and adherence to the rule of law remain core principles of international human rights law.

The resolution is expected to place renewed international focus on Kanu’s case and further elevate discussions surrounding Nigeria’s management of the politically sensitive matter.

Africans Angle News