A member of the United States House of Representatives, John James, has introduced a resolution calling on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, comply with constitutional provisions and international human rights obligations.

The resolution, H.Res. 1321, was introduced on May 22, 2026. It urges Nigerian authorities to uphold due process and respect internationally recognized rights throughout Kanu’s ongoing legal battles.

The proposed measure highlights concerns surrounding Kanu’s arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2021 and his subsequent transfer to Nigeria. It also references a July 2022 opinion by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which concluded that Kanu’s detention violated international human rights standards and recommended his release and compensation.

According to the resolution, concerns have been raised by human rights organizations, legal observers, and Kenyan courts regarding issues such as due process, access to legal representation, detention conditions, and medical care.

The document notes that prolonged detention without adequate healthcare raises humanitarian concerns and stresses the importance of protecting freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and humane treatment of detainees under international law.

It further recognizes Kanu as a political figure known for advocating for communities in southeastern Nigeria and notes that he has expressed his views on self-determination and governance through public advocacy.

The resolution calls on the Nigerian government to ensure that Kanu has consistent access to legal counsel, appropriate medical treatment, and humane detention conditions. It also encourages Nigerian authorities to consider the findings of the UN Working Group and take appropriate actions consistent with those recommendations.

In addition, the measure urges the US Secretary of State to engage with the Nigerian government on concerns related to due process, detention conditions, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Kanu was convicted on seven terrorism-related counts by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but the court imposed a life sentence instead.

He subsequently filed an appeal on February 4, 2026, seeking to overturn the conviction and set aside the sentence.

As of June 2, 2026, the resolution remains at the introductory stage in the US House of Representatives, has no co-sponsors, and has not been scheduled for further legislative action. The resolution is non-binding and represents the opinion of the House rather than carrying legal force.