US Congressman John James, a former Chair of the House Africa Subcommittee and now a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, has described the ongoing detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as evidence of religious persecution in Nigeria.
James made the statement during a hearing held by the US House Subcommittee on Africa on Thursday, which reviewed President Donald Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The session in Washington, DC included top US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
According to Rep. James, Kanu’s situation demonstrates clear persecution, especially since Nigeria’s Court of Appeal struck out all charges against him in 2022 and ordered his release. He noted that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had also called for Kanu’s unconditional freedom.
He said Kanu’s continued detention — despite court rulings and international appeals — shows how political repression and weakening institutions fuel religious persecution in Nigeria. He added that Kanu has been kept in solitary confinement, his health has deteriorated, and he recently had to represent himself in court.
James further stated that Nigeria is “signaling that the law is optional and that targeting Christians is fair game,” pointing out that Kanu was convicted on all charges just hours before the hearing.
Earlier reports confirmed that Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges. He has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest in Kenya — a process his legal team insists was an unlawful “extraordinary rendition.”
Do you think Nnamdi Kanu’s sentencing amounts to religious persecution? Share your thoughts in the comments.
