- US Congressman Calls for Immediate Release of Nnamdi Kanu
- James urges Nigeria to conduct a fresh trial based on evidence.
- Lawmaker accuses Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Christians.
United States Congressman John James has called for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, urging the Nigerian government to conduct a fresh trial in line with the country’s constitution.
James made the call on Thursday while speaking on the floor of the US Congress, where he accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect innocent citizens from violence.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the lawmaker urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure that any further proceedings involving Kanu are based on evidence and conducted in accordance with constitutional requirements. He also called for Kanu to have access to legal counsel, adequate medical care and humane conditions of detention in line with international law.
James described Nigeria as the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian and accused extremist groups, including Boko Haram, of operating without what he described as a meaningful response from the authorities.
The US congressman also alleged that Kanu was convicted following what he described as a false trial after speaking out about insecurity and other developments in Nigeria.
He further claimed that Kanu is serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism related charges, allegations that have been disputed by Kanu’s supporters.
James called on his colleagues in Congress to support his proposal for the Nigerian government to release the IPOB leader.
“I implore my colleagues to support my bill for the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally.
“America gives billions of dollars to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund Christian genocide.
“We have the moral obligation to stand up, so that our Christian brothers and sisters can worship the Lord our God in peace,” he said.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of Nigerian authorities since his rendition from Kenya in 2021, was convicted by a Nigerian court on terrorism related charges
