The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has welcomed a fresh call by United States Congressman John James for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group described the intervention by the Republican lawmaker representing Michigan as a significant development in its campaign for Kanu’s release.
James, who spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, urged the Nigerian government to either conduct a fresh trial for Kanu in line with constitutional and international human rights standards or release him immediately and unconditionally.
The congressman, in remarks circulated in a video, described Nigeria as “the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian” and alleged that Kanu’s conviction followed what he termed a flawed judicial process. He also called for Kanu to have access to legal representation, medical care and humane detention conditions.
James’ latest intervention comes after he introduced Resolution H.Res. 1321 in May 2026, urging the Nigerian government to ensure that legal proceedings involving Kanu comply with Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.
Reacting, Powerful said IPOB appreciated James for raising the matter before the U.S. Congress.
“We commend Congressman John James for his courage and the United States Congress for providing the platform,” he said.
The IPOB spokesman said the group viewed the development as evidence of growing international attention to Kanu’s case and expressed hope that it would encourage Nigerian authorities to review the matter.
Powerful maintained that IPOB believed Kanu was wrongly convicted and reiterated the group’s demand for his immediate and unconditional release.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 after his conviction on terrorism-related charges. He is being held at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, while his appeal against the conviction is pending before the appellate court.
